SEVIER COUNTY, Tenn. — With fires popping up across the county, the Sevier County and Pigeon Forge fire chiefs are urging people to be smart in a drought period.
The state has issued a burn ban across the county. There are several things people can do to protect their property.
"They need to be looking around their home and making sure that they have blown the leaves and debris away from their homes," Sevier County Fire Chief David Pickett said. "Cut back and trim back foliage, the dry, dead foliage."
It's a good idea to clear your gutters as well. The idea is to keep things like dry leaves and tree debris that can fuel fires away from your home.
"You want to keep your patio furniture cushions and stuff like that stored away," Pickett said. "Keep propane tank stored away from the home and like ricks of firewood and things of that nature. Keep them away from don't put them under your porch where the leaves are going to accumulate."
In addition, it's a good idea to keep a bag of essentials, like medicine, water and a radio in case you have to evacuate.
Pigeon Forge Fire Chief Tony Watson said the public needs to do their part to keep fires from starting. The consequences of negligence like burning leaves or throwing out a cigarette butt can be devastating.
"People could have lost their homes," Watson said. "We could have lost firefighters. This is very serious."