Tennessee Wildfires Prompt Evacuations, Hundreds of Residents Affected

SEVIER COUNTY, Tenn. (WVLT) – Wildfires have led to multiple evacuation orders for residents in Sevier County as crews battle ongoing brush fires across the region. The Sevier County Sheriff’s Office reported that evacuations were initiated on Tuesday evening due to threats to structures and critical infrastructure.

A fire ignited in the Bluff Mountain area around 8:30 p.m. on March 4, prompting the wildland task force’s mobilization, with all local fire departments responding. Officials from the Waldens Creek Volunteer Fire Department confirmed the partial evacuation required for residents living on Tower Road, Green Top Road, and Horse Gap Road.

As of now, these evacuation orders have been lifted, but residents are still advised to remain cautious due to the risk of high winds and the fire’s proximity. The firefighting teams managed to bring the blaze under control just before midnight, with minimal damage reported to one structure and no injuries.

About 100 residents also had to evacuate from areas in Pittman Center, including Pittman Center Road, Laurel Creek Road, Old Happy Hollow Road, Hickey Road, and Pinnacle Vista Road. The Sevier County Emergency Management Agency established a temporary relocation site at the First Baptist Church Annex in Sevierville, which was closed Wednesday morning.

“The Sevier County Wildland Task force has been activated and are responding to each call. Sevier County Fire & Rescue Administrative personnel are coordinating response efforts,” stated the Sevier County EMA.

Heavy rains allowed for lifting some of the evacuation orders. However, officials reminded residents and visitors to stay vigilant as conditions could change rapidly.

TELLICO PLAINS, Tenn. (WVLT) – Meanwhile, another evacuation was carried out in Tellico Plains following multiple brush fires that sparked in the area. Despite rainfall, certain evacuation orders remained until road safety could be confirmed. The areas affected included Roberts Lane, Old Furnace Road, the vicinity of Holder Cemetery, Rafter Road, and Smokey Run Road, with Highway 360 also closed.

The gymnasium at Tellico Plains High School served as an evacuation center, offering overnight accommodations. Donations were accepted at the Tellico Plains Community Center.

Monroe County Mayor Mitch Ingram reported that a fire ignited near Rafter Road at approximately 11 a.m., growing to 50 acres by 1:55 p.m. without any containment. By late afternoon, 100 acres had burned with no containment. EMA officials later clarified that as of Tuesday evening, two separate wildfires were being managed: one of 30 acres near Lake Heights, fully contained, and the other, the primary fire in Rafter, which was reported to be nearly contained by the evening.

Despite the progress, additional fires broke out, necessitating more evacuations. Approximately 70 homes had been affected, but fortunately, there were no reported fatalities. By early Wednesday morning, emergency crews were monitoring four active fires in Monroe County.

In Horry County, S.C., crews have been battling significant wildfires, including a blaze in Carolina Forest that expanded to 1,600 acres with a 30% containment as of Sunday evening. Evacuation orders prompted for nearby neighborhoods were eventually lifted as residents returned home.

Authorities continue to assess damage in both Tennessee and South Carolina as crews work collectively to combat these ongoing threats in the region. Safety remains the top priority for all involved.