Wildfire — Cumberland, Tennessee

2023-11-15 · Cumberland, Tennessee

Event narrative

Very dry conditions combined with breezy conditions allowed for a brush fire near Crossville to quickly grow. The brush fire began late in the morning on Renegade Mountain, and two nearby homes became engulfed in flames. Approximately twenty people along Moytoy Road were evacuated as multiple structures were endangered. About an hour after the brush fire began, it jumped a fire break line and headed towards Godsey Knob, prompting another evacuation of residents in this area. The fire was finally contained late in the afternoon after burning approximately 200 to 250 acres. Two homes were lost in the fire. Damages are a rough estimate.

Wider weather episode

With persistent dry conditions across Middle Tennessee which resulted in widespread drought, the stage was set for fire weather conditions. A brush fire near Crossville began late morning on November 15, 2023. The Renegade Mountain Fire burned approximately 200 to 250 acres and destroyed two homes before being contained late in the same afternoon.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 1140854. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.