Tennessee Fires

Daily Wildfire Report for Tennessee - June 21, 2026

Overview

Tennessee is currently experiencing favorable fire environment conditions as the state progresses through the summer growing season. Recent rainfall events over the past 72 hours have provided widespread moisture, and vegetation green-up has reached 100 percent statewide. While there are some lingering areas of abnormally dry to moderate drought conditions in parts of the state, recent and forecasted scattered showers are actively helping to alleviate these dry zones. The overall wildfire risk for Tennessee is currently low, and the National Preparedness Level for the Southern Area remains stable.

Current Situation

Fire Activity: There are currently no significant active wildfires burning in Tennessee. While the state has recorded 93 high-confidence VIIRS fire alerts so far in 2026 (which is slightly above the historical average), the recent widespread moisture and high humidity have significantly reduced the immediate threat of new large-scale wildfire ignitions. Firefighters and land management agencies are utilizing this period to monitor conditions and prepare for the upcoming fall fire season.

Key Fires:
(There are no significant active wildfires to report in Tennessee at this time.)

Prescribed Burns and Land Management: Current conditions are supportive of growing-season prescribed burning activities. The Tennessee Division of Forestry notes that while soil moisture is generally adequate, landowners and practitioners should continue to monitor local fire environment factors before conducting any burn. Although state burn permits are not legally required at this time of year, they remain available online for those who would like additional documentation of their planned burning activities. Practitioners are encouraged to develop comprehensive burn plans, notify adjacent landowners, and ensure adequate resources are on-site to safely accomplish burn objectives.

Air Quality: Air quality across the state remains generally good to excellent. There are no significant smoke impacts from local wildfires, and previous haze from out-of-state fires has largely cleared out of the Tennessee Valley.

Weather and Wind Warnings

Current Weather: A classic summer pattern is firmly in place across the Tennessee Valley. Over the last 48 to 72 hours, the region has experienced scattered showers and thunderstorms, with temperatures holding steady in the mid-to-upper 80s and high humidity. These recent rainfall events have significantly improved 10-hour and 100-hour fuel moisture levels.

Forecasted Weather: Scattered showers and thunderstorms are expected to continue over the next several days, particularly through Monday, bringing potentially 1 to 3 inches of accumulated rain to parts of the region. This wet pattern is expected to further chip away at any remaining drought conditions. There are currently no Red Flag Warnings or significant fire weather watches in effect for Tennessee.

Recommendations

Public Awareness: Residents are encouraged to stay informed about local weather conditions, especially with the potential for sudden, pop-up summer thunderstorms and lightning strikes. Those planning outdoor activities or agricultural burns should monitor the weather closely, as shifting winds from thunderstorms can cause unexpected fire behavior even in green fuels.
Resource Allocation: The Tennessee Division of Forestry continues to monitor drought monitors and fuel conditions across the state. Agencies are providing updates to the state's Fire Environment page as they transition toward Tennessee's official fall fire season, which begins on October 15.

Resources

For up-to-date emergency information, burn permits, and fire environment outlooks, residents can visit:
National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC): www.nifc.gov/fire-information/nfn
Tennessee Division of Forestry (Burn Permits & Info): www.BurnSafeTN.org
Tennessee Emergency Management Agency (TEMA): www.tn.gov/tema

Stay informed and prepared by monitoring these resources regularly.