Concerns continue to Grow as Wildfire Spreads

HAMILTON COUNTY (WDEF) , Tenn. – Multiple fire crews are attacking a massive wildfire on top of Signal Mountain.

The fire was started by an unattended campfire.
Monday marks the third day crews have been tackling the blaze that is threatening several homes in the Falling Water community.
Residents of Falling Water Heights concerns have grown over the last three days.
Jennifer Gibbs said she is making sure all her neighbors are on high alert.
“We’ve been coming out here, checking on the firefighters making sure they’re okay, checking on our neighbors homes making sure that they’re okay. We’ve had many, many sleepless nights. All of our neighbors are on texting each other and Face-booking each other just to check on each other to make sure everybody knows what is going on.”

Hamilton County Emergency Management spokeswoman, Amy Maxwell, said high winds and dry conditions spread the blaze even more since the fire began Saturday…

“It’s hard for these firefighters to get out here on this rough terrain and try to start digging these trenches to try and create new fire breaks.”

Bulldozers were brought in to create new breaks and help halt the flames.

“We’re not seeing any rain in the next several days so we’re trying to get this under control. We not only have to get it under control, we’ve got to put this fire out”, said Maxwell.

Gibbs said she and her neighborhood will remain vigilant, but sends this message to those who wish to burn in the future.

“Be careful with campfires, be careful with cigarettes. It could be prevented. Now my entire neighborhood is on high alert because of someone’s carelessness.”

Air Pollution Control has issued a burn ban here in Hamilton County until further notice.