Fires on a day like today can get out of hand quickly in these conditions

Caryville Fire Dept. Firefighters battled a short-lived brush fire at Red Ash mid-day Monday

LAFOLLETTE, TN (SPECIAL TO WLAF) – A Fire Danger Statement has been issued for this afternoon into early evening. Breezy winds and low relative humidities will continue an elevated fire danger. As a result, La Follette Fire Chief Jimmy Pack says the City will not be issuing burn permits until further notice.

TOP PHOTO: A brush fire was contained late last Wednesday afternoon at Powell Valley Shores and nearby homes were spared.

There is an elevated fire risk expected this afternoon. The combination of southwest winds gusting up to 30 mph and low relative humidities will continue an elevated fire risk until early this evening. Fire danger will diminish tonight as relative humidities increase and winds slowly decrease.

Please refer to your local burn permitting authorities on whether you can burn today. Use caution when burning as fires may get out of hand quickly in these conditions. (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED – 03/19/2024-6AM)