Tennessee fires

### Daily Wildfire Report for Tennessee - March 26, 2025

#### Overview
Tennessee is experiencing a heightened wildfire risk due to exceptionally dry conditions, high winds, and the presence of abundant fuel sources, particularly in the wake of recent weather events. The state is part of a broader region in the Southern United States that is grappling with an unusually high number of wildfires.

#### Current Situation
- **Fire Activity:** Tennessee is among the southern states seeing an increased frequency of wildfires, with multiple active fires currently burning. The dry and windy conditions have accelerated the drying of vegetation, creating a highly combustible environment[3].
- **Active Fires:** A recent wildfire erupted in Pittman Center near Gatlinburg, prompting evacuations in the Cobbly Nob area and around Webb Mountain. This fire is part of a larger pattern of wildfire activity across the state[1].
- **Regional Context:** The Southern Appalachians, including Tennessee, are under a heightened state of alert due to the persistent dry and windy conditions. This region has entered Preparedness Level 4, indicating large, complex wildland fire incidents that could exhaust regional and national firefighting resources[3].

#### Key Details
- **Pittman Center Fire:** This wildfire, located near Gatlinburg, has led to evacuations in the Cobbly Nob area and around Webb Mountain. The fire is part of the ongoing wildfire activity in the region, which is being managed by local and state firefighting resources[1].
- **Fuel Conditions:** The area has seen an accumulation of dead vegetation and timber debris, particularly from the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, which is fueling the wildfires. High winds and low humidity are exacerbating the fire risk[3][5].
- **Public Safety:** Residents are advised to stay informed about fire activity near their locations and to heed evacuation notices promptly. Burn bans are in place, and authorities are urging the public to avoid starting any fires, whether for garbage burning or at campsites[5].

#### Recommendations
- **Public Awareness:** It is crucial for residents to be mindful of fire traffic and potential smoke impacts. Having an emergency plan in place and clearing dead brush from properties can help reduce the risk of catastrophic fires[3].
- **Resource Allocation:** Firefighters are working under challenging conditions, and interagency responses are robust. The public is encouraged to support these efforts by following safety guidelines and adhering to burn bans[3].

#### Fire Weather and Wind Warnings
- **High-Risk Conditions:** The Southern Great Plains and adjacent areas, including parts of Tennessee, are under a fuels and fire behavior advisory due to high-risk conditions expected to continue into April. High winds and low humidity are contributing to the elevated fire risk[2].

#### Resources
For up-to-date emergency information, residents can visit:
- **National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC):** [www.nifc.gov/fire-information/nfn](https://www.nifc.gov/fire-information/nfn)
- **Tennessee Emergency Management Agency:** [tnema.org](https://www.tnema.org/)
- **Tennessee Wildland Fire:** [wildlandfire.tn.gov](https://wildlandfire.tn.gov/)

#### Additional Information
- **Aviation Safety:** The public is urged not to fly drones near areas of wildfire suppression activity, as this can interfere with airborne firefighting assets and hinder fire suppression efforts[3].
- **Prescribed Burns:** While there are no current reports of prescribed burns in Tennessee, the USDA Forest Service is conducting such operations in other parts of the Southern Region to reduce hazardous fuel accumulations and minimize the risk of high-severity wildfires[3].

CITATIONS

['https://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/us-news/tennessee-new-wildfire-erupts-in-pittman-center-near-gatlinburg-evacuations-underway-in-cobbly-nob-101741148099374.html', 'https://www.nifc.gov/fire-information/nfn', 'https://sandhillssentinel.com/wildfire-activity-and-response-continues-for-southern-states/', 'https://gacc.nifc.gov/sacc/predictive/intelligence/sa_detailed_sit_rpt.pdf', 'https://www.sfgate.com/news/article/more-evacuations-as-wildfires-burn-in-the-20242219.php']