Townsend brush fire 95% contained

A brush fire that erupted in Townsend Monday afternoon has been 95% contained, said Townsend Area Volunteer Fire Department Chief Don Stallions.

Blount County Fire Protection District, Alcoa Fire Department, Friendsville Volunteer Fire Department and the Tennessee Division of Forestry worked together Monday to contain the fire and prevent it from damaging nearby structures.

The fire, which rekindled around 7:30 a.m. Tuesday morning, caused minor structure damage to one residence that Stallions said appeared abandoned.

No injuries or other damage were reported.

Stallions said that Townsend Volunteer Fire Department and the Tennessee Division of Forestry were working Tuesday to “maintain the fire and put out hot spots.”

The fire, which initially covered 50 acres, was down to about 22 acres by early Tuesday afternoon, Stallions said.

Stallions said he hoped it would be 100% contained with the promise of rain Tuesday evening but was concerned about the threat of high winds. He said firefighters would be on high alert and “prepared for whatever happens.”

As of Tuesday afternoon, Old Walland Highway was still closed due to the fire.