Two Greene County volunteer fire departments were placed on standby Tuesday night to assist neighboring Cocke County while local firefighters there responded to a major wildfire in Sevier County.
The Caney Branch and St. James Volunteer Fire Departments were prepared to respond to fires across Cocke County after all of their volunteer fire departments were dispatched to help battle a 200-acre blaze in the Pittman Center area of Sevier County. That fire prompted evacuation orders as it threatened multiple structures.
Fire departments operate under a “mutual aid” agreement, ensuring departments are available to assist neighboring communities in times of need. While Caney Branch and St. James crews were on standby for Cocke County, they remained responsible for their designated areas in Greene County, just as other departments stand ready to assist them when needed.
A recent example of mutual aid in action was the response to Tuesday night’s fire on Whirlwind Road in Greeneville, where the Limestone Volunteer Fire Department and other Greene County Volunteer Fire Departments assisted.
Meanwhile, in Monroe County, near Sweetwater, a large wildfire has destroyed several homes. More than 30 fire departments from surrounding counties and even neighboring states have joined efforts to contain the blaze.
Mutual aid agreements allow fire departments to effectively respond and assist in emergencies, regardless of jurisdiction.
