Chattanooga, TN – Dry, windy conditions are raising fire concerns across parts of Tennessee and North Carolina today, prompting officials to issue a Special Weather Statement warning residents of elevated wildfire risk.
According to the National Weather Service in Morristown, the alert remains in effect from 11 a.m. EDT through 8 p.m. EDT Saturday, as a combination of low humidity and gusty winds creates conditions favorable for rapid fire spread. The advisory impacts a wide portion of East Tennessee, including Chattanooga, Knoxville-area communities, and the Great Smoky Mountains, along with parts of western North Carolina.
Forecasters say a dry airmass moving in behind a cold front is causing relative humidity levels to drop into the teens and low 20s. At the same time, north winds are expected to gust up to 20 mph in valley areas, with higher elevations seeing gusts reaching 30 mph or more.
These conditions significantly increase the likelihood that fires could ignite and spread quickly, especially in areas with dry grass, leaves, and forest debris. Officials warn that even small sparks could lead to fast-moving fires under these circumstances.
Residents and visitors are being urged to take precautions throughout the day. Proper disposal of cigarettes and matches is strongly advised, along with avoiding activities that could produce sparks, such as operating certain outdoor equipment. Drivers are also cautioned not to park vehicles on dry grass, where heat from engines could ignite vegetation.
Authorities emphasize the importance of following all local burn bans currently in place across the region.
Conditions are expected to remain dry into Sunday, though winds may be lighter and shift from the south, slightly reducing — but not eliminating — the fire risk.
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