KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — UPDATE (9/15): Blount County Communications received multiple calls on Sunday regarding the brush fire burning near Mile Marker 8 of "The Dragon" portion of U.S. 129, the Blount County Sheriff's Office said.
"Dispatch, as well as the Sheriffs Office are aware," BCSO said.
Blount County Fire, the Tennessee Division of Forestry and the National Park Service have contained the fire within the boundaries of the fire line, BCSO said. According to BCSO, those in the area will still continue to see smoke for the next few days.
BCSO said multiple organizations are continuing to monitor and manage the situation.
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UPDATE (9/14): "The Dragon" has reopened after a brush fire closed part of it down earlier in the week, the Tennessee Department of Transportation said in a post on social media.
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Part of U.S. 129, also known as "The Dragon" is closed due to a brush fire, the Tennessee Department of Transportation said.
The roadway is closed in Blount County at Mile Marker 11, according to TDOT. It said it was shut down at around 12 p.m. and North Carolina had also shut down its side of the road. The department said it implemented a portable message board before Foothills Parkway alerting traffic of the closure.
TDOT said the road would be closed for the length of "The Dragon," from the Tennessee state line to Chilhowee Dam.
It said the fire was reported near Mile Marker 7, and crews would work as long as needed to safely put it out. By 9:45 p.m. the Tennessee Division of Forestry said the fire was 100% contained, and said it was around three acres large.
This story is ongoing and we will update you as we learn more.
