ROGERSVILLE, Tenn. — People were evacuated in Hawkins County Friday as a large brush fire burns in the Austin Mill and Guntown areas. By 7:45 p.m. the evacuation order was lifted except for areas in Pole Cat Knob Road, Blakes Mountain Road and Pat Filliam Road in Rogersville.
Officials said the fire burned more than 100 acres and was 90% contained by 9 p.m.
According to the Hawkins County Rescue Squad, an emergency shelter was set up at 955 East McKinney Avenue.
People who lived in the Nenard Road, Tuggle Hill, Pole Cat Know, Guntown Road or Austin Mill areas of Rogersville were told to evacuate and head to a safe area as crews respond to the fire.
The Tennessee Division of Forestry reported the fire is centered at 204 Henard Road in Rogersville, saying it's about 16 acres. As of 6:00 p.m., the department reported the fire was 100% contained.
According to Hawkins County E-911, about 200 people received a reverse 911 call warning them of the fire.
Another fire was reported at Beech Creek, which E-911 said was under control.
Dispatchers said gusty winds were changing direction "constantly," spreading the larger fire.
Every fire department in Hawkins County is responding to the fire. The Division of Forestry, EMA, and other county law enforcement are also assisting.
The county is asking for people in the area to be alert and to evacuate the area if they see smoke getting heavier.
The National Weather Service in Morristown has issued a Red Flag warning for the entirety of East Tennessee until 8 p.m. Friday.
It was originally set to expire at 6 p.m. but the National Weather Service extended it by 2 hours.
The NWS said the fire danger is high in the area due to the combination of dry conditions, warmer temperatures and strong winds that will last through the evening, saying any fires that develop will likely spread rapidly.
You can find the list of wildfires across the state on the Tennessee Division of Forestry's website.