ANDERSON COUNTY, Tenn. — UPDATE (11/20): The fire that started on Windrock Mountain on Thursday has been reported to be around 320 acres and is now 95% contained, according to the Anderson County Emergency Management Agency.
The Tennessee Division of Forestry said the rain that fell Friday evening helped in their efforts to contain the fire. Tuesday's forecast is predicting more rainfall to the area, however, the same line is expected to bring gusty winds starting Monday afternoon -- fueling fire danger concerns, particularly for the higher elevations where winds are expected to be stronger.
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Fire crews are working to contain a 130-acre fire on Windrock Mountain, according to the Anderson County Emergency Management Agency.
According to the Anderson County EMA, the Marlow Volunteer Fire Department responded to multiple reports of brush fires in the Windrock Road, Frost Bottom Road and Stoney Flat Lane areas. After arriving on the scene, officials saw it was one fire seen from multiple areas.
According to Clinton Fire Marshal and Marlow VFD Chief Danial Adamas, trails cut around the area are helping contain the fire due to limited access because of steep rock ledges. Anderson EMA said the fire was between trails G2 and G9.
Crews from Marlow VFD, Oliver Springs Fire Department, Oak Ridge Fire Department, Briceville VFD and the Tennessee Division of Forestry also responded to the scene
Adams said crews were able to protect three oil wells in that area.
Throughout the night, the Tennessee Division of Forestry kept a close eye on the fire to make sure that it did not break the natural containment lines of the trails, officials said.
"Forestry plans to implement some fire lines while still utilizing the natural fire breaks of the trails," Anderson County EMA Director Brice Kidwell said. "They do plan on back-burning at some point... if the weather permits, so there could be an uptick in smoke. We ask that residents please keep in mind that we may receive rain but nothing significant enough that would allow them to burn any outdoor debris."
No injuries have been reported and no structures have been in danger, according to officials.
