Firefighters gaining upper hand against Whitwell fire

WHITWELL, Tenn. (WDEF) – As rain moves through the Tennessee Valley, firefighters hope it helps them contain wildfires in Marion County.

As of Tuesday morning, the fire on Whitwell Mountain that forced the evacuation of Bolt Farm Treehouse Sunday evening was 70% contained, according to the State Forestry Office.

Additionally, according to Marion County EMA Director Steve Lamb, a separate fire briefly sparked up on Suck Creek Mountain, but only reached around 20 acres in size before being extinguished.

A Tennessee National Guard helicopter helping Marion County firefighters battle the Whitwell Mountain fire.

Lamb says the situation has improved since yesterday and says firefighters from Sequatchie County came in to relieve Marion County crews last night on Whitwell Mountain.

He said, “They actually did one flare up and they were able to take care of that without any additional resources, and so we appreciate the help from our neighboring county from Sequatchie County and the city of Dunlap.”

Despite the rain, officials are still asking citizens to avoid burning at this time.