Brush Fire near Pigeon Forge 100% contained

A brush fire that erupted in the Sugar Mountain vicinity near Pigeon Forge in Sevier County has been successfully contained by fire crews. The Sevier County Government reported the incident around 9:45 p.m. on Wednesday, indicating that crews were addressing the fire in the Rush Branch Road area, near Sugar Mountain Way just beyond the city limits of Pigeon Forge.

In an update at 11:15 p.m., a spokesperson for Sevier County confirmed that the fire is now 100% contained. The extent of the blaze was estimated to be between 3-5 acres, resulting in minor damage to one structure.

As the fire naturally extinguishes, crews will maintain vigilance in the area throughout the night. Residents and visitors might observe lingering smoke in the vicinity over the next few days.

A strict burn ban, often implemented by authorities, is a measure taken to prohibit or restrict outdoor burning activities in a particular area. This precautionary step is typically enforced during periods of elevated fire risk, such as dry and hot weather conditions. The aim is to prevent wildfires that can easily be sparked and spread, posing a threat to both human life and property.

Due to prevailing dry conditions, the Knox County Department of Air Quality Management has instituted a prohibition on open burning, defined as any "fire where any material is burned on the ground or in an open container that is not connected to a stack or chimney.

We express gratitude for the prompt reaction of the Sevier County Fire Department and hope for rain in the coming days!