Hatcher Mountain News Today

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) — The first weekend in June, people across East Tennessee have a chance to learn from the best when it comes to protecting property against wildfires. The 2023 Wildfire Preparedness Expo marks the second year of the community event, which was initially created after the Indigo Lane – Hatcher Mountain Wildfire in […]

A year after a large wildfires destroyed over 100 homes in Hatcher Mountain Area of Sevier County, an American flag saved from the blaze is flying at the home of a U.S. veteran once again. The home of Herman Duran, a U.S. Air Force veteran, burned down during the Hatcher Mountain Fire.  On Wednesday, he celebrated the reconstruction of his home with the firefighters who risked their lives to keep the community safe and save some important items from the home.

The Wears Valley fire destroyed more than 200 structures while burning nearly a week last spring in East Tennessee.

As severe weather events increase across Middle Tennessee and Southern Kentucky, so does the concern for damage to property and life.

Since January, the Tennessee Division of Forestry has reported 636 wildfires that burned more than 10,000 acres of land, a figure not seen since the exceptional drought in 2016.

The damage and cost from the Sevier County wildfires in early April could exceed $68 million in total, according to preliminary estimates.

The damage and cost from the Sevier County wildfires in early April could exceed $68 million in total, according to preliminary estimates.

When Allison Foster first heard about the approaching fires, she got her trailer and drove towards the flames.

When Allison Foster first heard about the approaching fires, she got her trailer and drove towards the flames.

The Sevier County Emergency Management Agency is still evaluating the exact damage assessment.