Dry conditions, strong winds combine to spread brush fires across the Chattanooga area

Dry conditions, strong winds combine to spread brush fires across the Chattanooga area

October 9th, 2016 by Staff Report in Breaking News

This contributed photo shows a helicopter that was used Oct. 8 to battle a fire alongside Roberts Mill Road on Walden's Ridge.

Photo by Contributed Photo /Times Free Press.

This is a developing story.


Gallery: Brush Fire

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A brush fire near Roberts Mill Road that grew to 20 acres Saturday had fire crews responding to Signal Mountain again on Sunday afternoon.

The fire jumped breaks that firefighters worked to create on Saturday, Hamilton County Emergency Services spokeswoman Amy Maxwell confirmed by email.

Firefighters were able to control the fire once again Sunday evening after it grew to 30 acres, according to Maxwell. 

Maxwell said an unattended campfire was responsible for starting the blaze. Roberts Mill Road remained closed to non-residents.

Maxwell confirmed that another, smaller, brush fire started in a backyard on Mowbray Mountain.

The Georgia Forestry Commission continues to work brush fires on Fox Mountain in Dade County and Strawberry Mountain in Walker County.

Hamilton County dispatchers also received calls late Sunday afternoon about fires in East Ridge, east Chattanooga and an apparent trash fire in the downtown area.

The Chattanooga Hamilton County Air Pollution Control Bureau issued a burn ban last week due to dry conditions.


Last updated at 7:55 p.m. with additional information. Stay with the Times Free Press for more details.