(Story revised 3/5/25 at 3:15pm to reflect that the Browntown wildfire was 300 acres in size.)
Cumberland County was hit with gusty winds and wildfires Tuesday night which led to power outages and evacuations. A 75 acre wildfire threatened homes on Browntown Road and the surrounding area and people were urged to evacuate as flames lit up the sky for miles around. Pleasant Hill Elementary and Brown’s Chapel Church both opened as shelters.
In Fairfield Glade, those living near St. George Place were also told to evacuate Tuesday night due to the threat of wildfire. The Fire Department set up a temporary shelter. As more rain moved into the region overnight, evacuations for both areas were lifted by around 11pm.
By 9:30am Wednesday, the Browntown wildfire was 50 percent contained. At 3pm the Department of Agriculture reported the Browntown fire was 300 acres in size and was 100% contained.
Several areas in Cumberland County lost power, including Pleasant Hill where the elementary school was closed Tuesday because of no electricity.
Volunteer Energy Cooperative crews worked non-stop to restore electricity Tuesday and Wednesday and to get people ready for the next round of severe weather… a Winter Weather Advisory in Effect from 6 PM Wednesday evening to 6 AM CST Thursday… for Cumberland, Fentress, Grundy, Overton, Pickett, Putnam, Van Buren, Warren and White counties. Total snow accumulations up to three inches possible. Winds gusting as high as 35 mph..
Wednesday morning the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency said it continues to monitor local wildfire response along with state partners.