JEFFERSON COUNTY, Tenn. — Investigators are working to determine what caused a large fire at the Jefferson County Sanitation Department Landfill that drew a massive response from fire departments across East Tennessee.
According to the Dandridge Fire Department, crews were dispatched Thursday to a reported fire in the landfill’s Class IV disposal area. When firefighters arrived, they found a significant amount of material actively burning.
Due to the size and intensity of the fire, incident commanders quickly requested a second-alarm response, bringing in additional firefighters, water tankers and support personnel from numerous neighboring departments.
Fire officials said the Jefferson County Sanitation Department played a crucial role in the response, using heavy equipment to assist crews with containing and managing the fire. The coordinated effort helped firefighters gain control of the blaze and prevent it from spreading further within the landfill.
More than a dozen agencies responded to the scene, highlighting the scale of the emergency. Departments assisting included:
- Dandridge Fire Department
- Jefferson City Fire Department
- Centerview Fire Department
- Chestnut Hill Fire Department
- New Market Fire Department
- Lakeway Fire Department
- Kansas-Talbott Fire Department
- West Hamblen Fire Department
- South Hamblen Fire Department
- Parrottsville Fire Department
- Cocke County Fire Department
- Newport Fire Department
- Sevierville Fire Department
- White Pine Fire Department
- Morristown Fire Department
- Northview Fire Department
- Jefferson County EMA
Officials reported that one person suffered burns while helping fight the fire. The individual was treated and is expected to be okay.
No additional injuries were reported, and authorities have not announced any evacuations or threats to surrounding communities.
The cause and origin of the fire have not yet been determined. Investigators will continue examining the scene as they work to identify how the fire started.
Fire officials praised the cooperation among responding agencies and the sanitation department’s support during the lengthy operation.
Landfill Fire in Jefferson County (WVLT)
