UPDATE: The fire is now 100 percent contained. The U.S. Forest Service said the fire grew to a size of 43 acres.
CARTER COUNTY, Tenn. (WJHL) – Local, state and federal agencies worked all day Tuesday to contain a fire in Carter County, just outside Roan Mountain.
The fire is located off Hogum Hollow Road. U.S. Forest Service Public Information Officer James Heaton said though the fire is contained, it is still burning.
Crews with the Roan Mountain Volunteer Fire Department, Tennessee Division of Forestry and U.S. Forest Service responded.
Crews were on scene until dark Tuesday, but Heaton said they will return Wednesday morning.
Carter County Emergency Management Agency Director Billy Harrell said the Hogum Hollow fire is the fourth this week in the county.
“Our firefighters have really been busy this week,” Harrell said. “Roan Mountain Volunteer Fire first responded this morning, around 2:30 this morning. That’s when they got the call.”
Heaton said the fire did not impact any structures. Crews did establish a fire line around a cabin, which ultimately saved it from damage.
Crews utilized bulldozers and chainsaws to build a perimeter line around the fire from the morning into the afternoon.
Heaton said that was a process made difficult by the conditions, including low humidities and higher winds than previous days.
Harrell said the terrain also played a factor in the response.
“Very difficult terrain,” Harrell said. “Straight up. Really mountainous in the area.”
Heaton said although the fall fire season has been worse in other parts of the state, he said the conditions are favorable for the possibility for more fires in Northeast Tennessee.
“With the extended forecast, we’re expecting that we’ll be seeing additional fires over the coming days,” Heaton said. “Obviously, the firefighters will have to take care of themselves and make sure that they’re ready in the coming days to deal with more of these type fires.”
Carter County is not under a burn ban at this time. Harrell said the state makes any decision on instituting a burn ban.
But he recommended to wait on burning until conditions change.
“It’s a critical time right now,” Harrell said. “Our leaves are so dry and crispy. If you can tell right now, we have this wind, and that’s what we’re concerned about. If there’s any fire at all, in just a moment’s notice, the wind can just carry those embers and just start a fire.”
Harrell said Carter County’s firefighters are doing their best to stay hydrated to keep up with what has already been a demanding schedule.
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CARTER COUNTY, Tenn. (WJHL) — Local agencies are working to fight a fire in Carter County Tuesday morning.
A 35-acre wildfire on Hogum Hollow Road is 50% contained as of 12:30 p.m., U.S. Forest Service Public Information Officer James Heaton told News Channel 11.
A fire line was built by crews around a cabin, but the structure was protected, Heaton said.
Wildfires around Southwest Virginia and Northeast Tennessee have ignited due to dry weather conditions.
On Nov. 1, one of the several wildfires in Buchanan County, Virginia consumed over 800 acres, destroying over 1,000 acres of property.
Burn permits are required before igniting open fires during fire season in Tennessee. To view the latest regulations for burning in Virginia, click here.