Long Dry Spell Contributes to Recent Rash of Woodland Fires

The long hot dry spell is prompting an early fire season this year.
Already, DeKalb County Volunteer Firefighters and the Tennessee Division of Forestry have had to deal with the problem here in recent days.
County Fire Chief Donny Green says at least six woodland fires have occurred since Thursday including one on Monday on the Liberty to Dismal Road.
According to Chief Green, a resident in the area was burning some brush when the fire got out of control and began to spread into the woods. The fire burned some five to six acres and came within a couple of hundred yards of Aaron Tippin’s home.
Chief Green says the fire was difficult to fight because it spread very quickly up the hill.
Members of the Tennessee Division of Forestry along with the Liberty and Main Stations of the DeKalb County Volunteer Fire Department spent about three hours attacking the fire before bringing it under control.
No one was injured and no structures were damaged.
Chief Green says because conditions are so dry, he is advising you not to conduct any outdoor debris burning until we get some rain.
(Photo by Callie Matthews)