SEVIER COUNTY, Tenn. — Fire crews are winding down their response after containing three brush fires in Sevier County, including one in the Walden's Creek area that prompted dozens of evacuations early Thursday morning.
The Sevier County Emergency Management Agency said all three fires at Walden's Creek, Flat Branch Road and East Union Valley were 100% contained as of 2:30 p.m. No damaged structures or injuries were reported.
“We are deeply grateful for the bravery and dedication of the emergency personnel who worked tirelessly to contain these fires under extremely challenging conditions. Their professionalism and commitment to protecting our community are truly commendable," Sevier County Mayor Larry Waters said.
City and county crews handed over the response to state forestry crews, who will monitor the fires over the next 24 to 48 hours. The EMA said people in the area will continue to see smoke and flames as these three isolated fires burn out.
- The largest fire was an 81-acre fire at Shagbark/Walden's Creek in the Overholt Trail area north of Wears Valley. As of 2:30 p.m., the fire was 100% contained and crews were monitoring it, per the EMA. Evacuations were issued for roughly 30 buildings in the Overholt Trail area, and the EMA said those should be lifted once the fire is 100% contained.
- A 5-acre fire burned off Flat Branch Road near the Spur between Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge. The fire was 100% contained as of 10:30 a.m. and crews continue to monitor it.
- Fire crews are monitoring an 8.5-acre fire in northwest Sevier County in the Creswell Road and East Union Valley area and extinguishing hotspots. The fire was 100% contained as of 10:30 a.m.
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park closed Foothills Parkway West between Walland and Wears Valley as crews responded to the Walden's Creek fire. The road was reopened Thursday afternoon.
Around 12:35 a.m., Sevier County Fire and Rescue said power would be temporarily paused in the area while crews battle the fire.
Sevier County crews received assistance from neighboring counties, including the Cocke County Fire Department, the New Market Fire and Rescue Team and Rural Metro Fire.
The National Weather Service issued an elevated fire danger alert on Thursday due to high winds, prompting a countywide burn ban. Officials urge residents to avoid affected areas and sign up for CodeRED emergency alerts.
