(Tennessee Department of Agriculture)
A wildfire in Fentress County was estimated to be 85% contained late Wednesday afternoon (3/10/21). The 1,000 acre blaze is in the remote area of Gouldstown Road. The rugged terrain made the fire difficult to fight as crews battled overnight Tuesday to establish control lines. By Wednesday morning the Tennessee Department of Agriculture reported that 24 personnel, 4 dozers, and 14 engines/pumpers had been deployed to keep the fire from spreading. Wednesday evening, much of the active fire was slowly backing down the steep slope towards Rockcastle Creek. Crews continued to hold the top of the handline on the southeast flank and the top of the dozer line on the northwest flank. Overall, the rural fire was showing minimal activity and no structures were threatened. Air quality was expected to remain low throughout the Jamestown area Wednesday night. Residents sensitive to smoke were encouraged to stay indoors and keep windows closed. A night shift remained on the scene Wednesday to concentrate on holding the line and patrolling the perimeter. Thursday’s day shift will continue to reinforce control lines and mop up any hot spots.