COCKE COUNTY, Tenn — Cocke County crews responded after reports of an active wildfire in the area Wilton Springs area of Cosby Monday night.
Authorities responding to the fire said up to three homes were threatened by the fire, and the Cocke County Fire Department said two people from one were evacuated. Responders also said up to three homes were threatened by the fire.
Information about the size of the wildfire was not immediately available as of Tuesday morning. Crews said the fire was 50% contained. and that "numerous" homes were saved as Cocke County crews remained on the scene to assist forestry crews.
The fire department said the fire was reported in the area of Nations Road and County Squire Road, and said six people were responding with two apparatus available. According to a post on social media, the Cosby Fire Department, Grassy Fork Fire Department and crews with the Tennessee Division of Forestry were responding.
The post said they had hand crews and dozers responding to the fire and were working to get the fire under control at around 10 p.m. Monday.
A second fire burning in the Cabbage County Road area is 100% contained, according to the Cocke County Emergency Management Agency. It burned approximately 15 acres. The EMA said state forestry crews are monitoring fire lines and county fire crews have been released back to their stations.
The Cocke County Fire Department said anyone who is in danger or anyone who knows someone who's in danger should call 911.
The fire was reported alongside several others across East Tennessee, as dry conditions left piles of dried leaves and brush in the area, giving fires the fuel they needed to quickly ignite and spread. On Monday, leaders were also concerned about wind gusts moving into the area, which could head spread fires even quicker, ahead of rainfall.
Authorities pleaded with East Tennessee residents to avoid burning anything until drought conditions subsided.
Due to ongoing drought conditions, the fire danger will be extremely high across East Tennessee. Fires will be able to develop easily and spread very quickly in these conditions. If you live near an ongoing fire or start to see smoke, it may be a good idea to have a "go bag" ready in case you need to evacuate the area with short notice.