Tennessee is currently bone-dry. Honestly, it’s not what you’d expect for mid-January. Usually, we’re talking about black ice or snow days, but right now, the primary concern is the fire in Tennessee today.
A massive drought has gripped about 98% of the state. That is a staggering number. According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, 80% of our land is officially in a "moderate drought," and this isn't just a one-off event. We are looking at the fifth consecutive year of significant fall-into-winter dry spells.
What’s actually happening on the ground?
Fire crews are staying busy. Just today, Nashville Fire Department units have been dispatched to multiple active incidents, including a call at 10:33 AM (Incident FFD26011600007122). While it’s easy to think of wildfires as a West Coast problem, the Southeast is currently a national outlier for fire activity.
The National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC) keeps a close watch on this. As of January 16, 2026, the national preparedness level is low, but the "Southern Area" is where the action is. While Oklahoma and Kentucky are fighting larger uncontained blazes like the Hopkins Fork fire, Tennessee is seeing a flurry of smaller, high-intensity brush fires.
Earlier this month, we saw how fast things can go south. In North Knox County, a workshop on Nicks Road was completely engulfed. Firefighters from Rural Metro had to scramble to save a nearby home. It’s that proximity that scares people.
👉 See also: How Old Is Celeste Rivas? The Truth Behind the Tragic Timeline
Why the fire risk is so high right now
It’s the wind.
Red Flag Warnings have been popping up across the East Tennessee mountains recently. We’ve seen gusts hitting 40 to 70 mph. When you combine that with humidity dropping into the 20% range—which is predicted for this coming Tuesday—you get a powder keg.
Basically, the "fuel" (dead leaves, fallen branches, dry grass) is ready to ignite from a single spark. Most of these fires aren't started by lightning. They're started by us. Escaped debris burns are the number one cause of wildfires in the state.
Wait, do I need a permit?
Yes. Since it's between October 15 and May 15, you must have a safe debris burning permit from the Tennessee Division of Forestry. It’s free, but they will shut down burning if the wind is too high.
✨ Don't miss: How Did Black Men Vote in 2024: What Really Happened at the Polls
Understanding the fire in Tennessee today and local impacts
The Tennessee Division of Forestry isn't just playing defense. They use "prescribed burns" to clear out the undergrowth when the weather cooperates. However, when the drought is this deep, even the professionals have to be incredibly careful.
In Sevier County, the Bluff Mountain area has been a recent hotspot. We've seen evacuations there as 10-15 acre brush fires move toward residential lines. It’s a lot of stress for local crews who are often working on a volunteer or mutual-aid basis.
Looking at the weather forecast
The National Weather Service in Nashville released a report today showing some light rain and snow moving through the Plateau this evening. It’s not much. We’re looking at maybe 0.15 to 0.35 inches of liquid.
That won't break the drought.
🔗 Read more: Great Barrington MA Tornado: What Really Happened That Memorial Day
By Sunday and Monday, the humidity will drop again. The "Vent Rate" and dispersion categories are fluctuating, meaning smoke from any fire today could linger low to the ground or whip across highways, creating dangerous driving conditions.
How to stay safe during this dry spell
If you live near wooded areas, you’ve gotta be proactive. It’s not just about not throwing cigarettes out the window.
- Clear your gutters. Dry leaves in a gutter are basically a fuse leading straight to your roof.
- Watch the wind. If it’s gusty, don’t even think about lighting a fire pit or a brush pile.
- Check the maps. Use the TN Wildfire Public Viewer to see if anything is active near you.
- Respect the burn bans. If your county judge or the state forester issues a ban, it’s for a good reason.
Tennessee's landscape is changing. With precipitation deficits hitting over 6 inches in some areas since July, the "winter fire season" is becoming the new normal. We have to adapt.
Real-world steps for Tennessee residents
Stop by the Tennessee Division of Forestry website to check the daily fire danger rating for your specific county before doing any outdoor work. If you see smoke that looks out of place, call 911 immediately; in these conditions, a fire can grow from a small patch of grass to a structure-threatening blaze in under ten minutes. Ensure your "defensible space"—the 30 feet directly around your home—is clear of dead vegetation and flammable debris.