Wildland fires threaten White County during excessive winds

Wildland fires struck Sparta communities during the March 4 strong wind conditions. Across the county line, various fire departments and volunteers reported their efforts throughout the evening, night, and following morning to combat the flames.

Central View Volunteer Fire Department reported a wildland fire in the Cashdollar Cove area behind the White County Recreational Complex. The Division of Forestry deployed bulldozers in the area to combat the flames as several departments and volunteer personnel on the west end of the county arrived to help. By 4:45 p.m., crews already had the fire 50% contained. By 10:40 p.m., the White County Office of Emergency Management announced the fire was under control. There were multiple urgings from fire officials and the WCOEM for no outdoor burning due to the high-risk fire conditions.

Sparta Fire Department assisted with a fire on Kinnard Road in the evening of March 4. Throughout the evening, updates were given on the state of the fire. No evacuation notices were given, but White County firefighters provided structural protection to the homes that were present near the flames. At 4:30 p.m., the fire was reported to be 55% contained by the combined efforts of volunteer firefighters and the Division of Forestry, and the Division of Forestry continued work to gain full 100% containment. By 7:40 p.m., the Division of Forestry released White County firefighters but remained on the scene with 75% containment.

In the White Oak Forest area, near Spear Loop, a wildland fire was reported around 9:40 a.m., on March 4. The fire was estimated to have spread up to 20 acres in size as the Tennessee Division of Forestry tackled the situation. Too far from water sources, State Forestry used bulldozers to plow lines and starve the flame. The firefighters on the scene believe the fire had possibly been caused by illegal trash burning. Like the fire on Cashdollar Cove, Cumberland County Fire Department issued a statement reminding residents to not burn trash or brush at this time.