Tennessee Fires

Daily Wildfire Report for Tennessee - April 21, 2026

Overview

Tennessee is currently experiencing an elevated fire risk due to a combination of dry, windy conditions and low relative humidity following a recent cold front. Over the past 72 hours, these factors have created a volatile environment for wildfires across the state, particularly in the eastern mountainous regions. The current situation requires active commitment from local, state, and national resources to manage incident objectives and protect communities.

Current Situation

Fire Activity: Over the last 72 hours, firefighters from local agencies, the Tennessee Division of Forestry, and the U.S. Forest Service have responded to multiple active brush and wildland fires. While many of these fires have been quickly contained, the dry and windy conditions have necessitated rapid responses to prevent rapid spread and protect local communities.

Key Fires:

• Appalachia Fire (Polk County): Located on U.S. Forest Service property in the Cherokee National Forest near the Hiwassee River, this fire has burned approximately 525 acres and is currently 0% to 15% contained. It is primarily fueled by timber, leaf litter, and understory vegetation. The fire has exhibited active behavior, including uphill runs in remote, rugged terrain. Approximately 40 wildland firefighters are utilizing ground and air resources, including water drops from Tennessee National Guard Black Hawk helicopters. While there are no mandatory evacuations, Forest Service Road 23 is closed to the public.
• House Mountain Fire (Knox County): Burning in steep, rugged terrain, this fire grew to approximately 60 acres and is currently 90% to 100% contained.
• Old Ridge Road Fire (Roane County): This wildfire is currently estimated at 5 acres in size and is 65% to 90% contained.

Prescribed Burns and Land Management: Due to the elevated fire risk, Knox County has issued a temporary burn ban, and Roane County has extended burn restrictions. While the state and U.S. Forest Service regularly conduct prescribed burns to manage forest health, permitted open burning is currently paused in many areas until significant rainfall stabilizes the environment.

Air Quality: Smoke from the active fires and back-burning operations, particularly around the Cherokee National Forest and House Mountain, may impact nearby areas. Residents may experience haze and reduced visibility in some counties, especially when winds are light or inversions form.

Weather and Wind Warnings

Current Weather: Dry conditions persist across the state, with relative humidity values dropping into the upper 20s and mid-30s.
Forecasted Weather: The National Weather Service in Morristown has issued a Fire Weather Watch for Cherokee and Clay counties due to low relative humidity and gusty northwesterly winds reaching 10 to 15 mph, with gusts up to 25-30 mph along mountain peaks. With dry fuels in place, fire danger will remain elevated through the early evening. Any fires that develop will likely spread rapidly. The next chance of significant wetting rain is expected on Friday.

Recommendations

Public Awareness: Residents are strongly advised that outdoor burning is not recommended at this time. Motorists should use extreme caution along Highway 68 due to heavy smoke and the presence of firefighting equipment. It is crucial to have an emergency plan in place and to clear dead brush from properties to reduce the risk of catastrophic fires.
Resource Allocation: Firefighters are working under challenging, rugged conditions. Agencies are utilizing both ground crews and aviation support to suppress fire spread and protect values at risk.

Resources

For up-to-date emergency information, residents can visit:
National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC): www.nifc.gov/fire-information/nfn
Tennessee Wildland Fire: www.tn.gov/agriculture/forests/fire.html

Stay informed and prepared by monitoring these resources regularly.