Around 30 acres of woodland burned off Brittontown Road Saturday night in a woods fire that was contained by local Volunteer Fire Departments and the Forestry Service.
United Volunteer Fire Chief Jay Wihlen was called by another volunteer fire chief of a fire that appeared to be getting out of control near Brittontown Church around 6:00 PM.
United Safety Officer and Secretary Traci Wihlen said that as units arrived on the scene, the fire appeared to be about two acres in size and growing quickly. Wihlen said that extremely dry conditions still persist in the area, despite a few rains last week. Newmansville firemen, Greeneville Emergency & Rescue Squad volunteers, and members of the US Foresty Service were then dispatched to the scene.
Quick work by firefighters kept the flames from crossing the road, and a bulldozer was used to build a fire break around the flames. Firemen used hand held tools to walk along the edges of the fire to help keep it contained. Flames got within 50 feet of a house, however prevailing winds pushed the fire in the opposite direction.
Debusk Volunteer’s Rehab unit responded to the scene for support. A total of 24 responders were on the scene until the fire was contained around midnight. Hot spots continued to rekindle over the evening.
The cause of the fire is unknown, but the public is reminded that Greene County has been in a moderate to high fire risk for much of the last three weeks. Burn permits are being issued, however those burning brush or leaves are responsible for making sure their fire is attended and extinguished. The public is also urged to keep an eye on changing conditions.
