Knoxville, Tenn. – Fire danger is rising across East Tennessee today as strong winds and dry air move through the region, creating hazardous outdoor burning conditions from the Cumberland Plateau to the Smoky Mountains.
According to the National Weather Service in Morristown, a special weather statement remains in effect through Friday evening for most of East Tennessee, including Knoxville, Chattanooga, and Johnson City. Southwest winds of 10 to 15 mph—with gusts up to 30 mph in the valleys and 35 mph in the mountains—are expected this afternoon. Relative humidity could drop below 30%, drying out ground-level vegetation and dead brush.
While spring greenery is increasing, recent dry days have left plenty of fuel for wildfires to ignite and spread quickly, especially in areas like Monroe, Sevier, and Polk counties. The risk is highest in open fields and forest edges where wind can carry embers over short distances.
Officials urge residents to check with local burn permitting offices before lighting outdoor fires. If burning is allowed, extreme caution is advised—keep water and tools nearby and never leave a fire unattended.
Conditions will begin to ease tonight as humidity rises. However, fire danger could return if dry, breezy weather continues into the weekend.
