Elevated Fire Danger Prompts Call to be vigilant of wildfire conditions
GATLINBURG, Tenn.— Due to current dry conditions, exceptionally low relative humidity and an elevated high fire danger, the Gatlinburg Fire Department is not issuing burn permits and is asking individuals to refrain from burning until adequate precipitation lowers the threat level.
The Gatlinburg and Sevier County area is under a Red Flag Warning, which was issued by the National Weather Service in Morristown, until 8 p.m. on Saturday, March 1.
A Red Flag Warning is issued when the conditions become favorable for rapid fire growth if a fire was to ignite. Due to this elevated risk, burn permits are not being issued, and individuals are encouraged to refrain from any activity which could start a brush fire.
“The Gatlinburg Fire Department urges all individuals to heed the Red Flag Warning and the increased fire danger and to take caution and avoid outdoor burning at this time,” Gatlinburg Fire Chief Charlie Cole said. “Please continue to be vigilant and aware of the fire risk in the area.”
The risk of a wildfire will remain elevated until the area receives significant rainfall. Under these dry conditions, grasses and leaf litter are prone to ignition due to susceptible fuel loading, which can cause small fires to spread rapidly.
The Gatlinburg Fire Department has increased its wildland fire staffing as a result of the Red Flag Warning.
Individuals are also reminded to take steps to make their property FireWise, including the removal of debris and leaves from around the perimeter of their house. Information on FireWise safety tips can be found at http://GatlinburgTN.gov/page/firewise.
For the latest updates from the City of Gatlinburg, visit GatlinburgTN.gov or visit the City’s Social Media pages on Facebook and X.
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