According to officials, the fire at Mount Zion was sparked when a tree fell across a utility line.
Fire personnel battled the blazing brush for more than two hours at 1037 Mountain Road. Commander John Pippenger requested additional hands to respond to the fire and Tennessee Forestry firefighters were also on the scene cutting a line around the fire.
Officials said this fire was caused by residents burning trash.
Two structures were reported to be in danger but neither was damaged during either fire.
Bradley County Fire Chief Dewey Woody said outdoor burning can get out of control quickly.
“Winds are brisk and the grass has not greened up real well yet. Add dry leaves in the wooded areas and that adds fuel to the proverbial fire,” said Woody.
State forestry officials caution Bradley County residents when burning trash, leaves and brush.
The fire early this morning was reported at 3 a.m.
Bradley County Fire Rescue firefighters performed an inspection where a pile of brush had been burning and then reignited. Officials said the fire was a controlled burn and was contained, prompting no action. Cleveland Fire Department Chief Chuck Atchley said two small brush fires were extinguished by CFD crews.
Both were in the Bradley County fringe.
One fire was reported in Windcrest and another in the 2100 block of Spring Place Road.
“There is no burning within the Cleveland city limits,” said Atchley.
An ordinance passed several years ago by the City Council prohibits burning trash, brush or other items inside the city.
A burn permit is required until April 15.
Burn restrictions begin annually on Oct. 15 and last until springtime greening has occurred.
State Forestry guidelines don’t require a permit for trash barrel burning but officials do suggest using a mesh screen over the top of the barrel to inhibit hot ash or sparks from causing fires which can easily get out of control this time of year.
Burn permits can be obtained Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. 4:30 by calling Tennessee Department of Agriculture Forestry Division at 478-0337.
