PIGEON FORGE, Tenn. — Crews said they were responding after a brush fire was reported in Sevier County Wednesday evening.
According to Tyler Baser, a Sevier County spokesperson, the brush fire was up to five acres large. It was reported in the Rush Branch Road area, just outside of Pigeon Forge's city limits, to the south. The Tennessee Division of Forestry said 15 personnel were responding to the fire at around 9:35 p.m.
He said it was 100% contained by 11:30 p.m. and three structures were initially threatened by it. Crews are going to monitor the area throughout Wednesday night and into Thursday morning as the fire burns out. Smoke could linger in the area over the next few days, Baser said.
Baser said the brush fire was located near Sugar Mountain Way in south-central Sevier County. He said emergency crews were working to protect nearby structures. He also said people were asked to be mindful of emergency crews and to avoid the area, if possible.
Several wildfires were reported in East Tennessee recently after leaders in many areas said the risk of fires spreading out of control was high due to dry conditions, breezy winds and a large collection of potential fuel in the area, such as dried leaves and branches.
In Knox County, Rural Metro said no open burning was allowed to minimize the risk of wildfires spreading.
Additional information about the fire in Sevier County, such as its cause, was not immediately available. This story will be updated when more information is available.