Wildfire near Rocky Top keeps crews busy
Large clouds of white smoke from the Walden’s Ridge/Andy’s Ridge wildfires hover in the background just west of downtown Rocky Top on Sunday afternoon, as seen from just off Interstate 75 at Exit 129. (photo:Emma Jayne Williams )
The fire continued Tuesday, covering 210 acres, and was 75% contained, according to the Tennessee Deparment of Forestry.
Although residents mostly just saw the clouds of white smoke, there was some fire visible from a few Rocky Top locations as the brushfire continued to make its way closer to the town.
The wildfire was first reported just after 6 p.m. Saturday on the ridge overlooking Rocky Top near Scott Brogan Lane, according to the Anderson County Emergency Services Agency.
Fire authorities said that no structures had been in immediate danger, as the fire kept to the unpopulated wooded areas.
The cause of the fire had not been determined, but was under investigation.
As of midday Monday, state forestry officials estimated that the fire was “about 160 acres and 40-percent contained,” according to a report from the office of Anderson County Mayor Terry Frank.
“Forestry is back on scene this morning, and they are reinforcing the fire lines,” Anderson County Emergency Management Agency Director Brice Kidwell said late Monday morning. “Their lines held very well last night.”
He added that smoke “probably will be lingering over the area for the next few days.”
Some rain is forecast later this week, which could help put an end to the fire, according to the National Weather Service.
Several area fire departments joined the state Division of Forestry in fighting the fire over the weekend, but they had been released from the scene by Monday morning, Kidwell said.
Responding fire departments included Rocky Top, Norris, Medford, Claxton and Marlow, as well as crews from the county and state.
Although local fire departments were called off, they were still keeping a close eye on the area, Kidwell said. Monday.