News Flash

PRESS RELEASE

For Immediate Release

September 1, 2017

Re:  Wildfire Preparedness Community Meeting

Blount County Mayor Ed Mitchell has organized a community meeting to inform the public of the level of preparedness in the event of a wildland fire disaster. 

Mayor Mitchell says “Blount County is blessed to have multiple organizations working together to prevent and prepare our County for such disaster.  Over the last couple months, I have reached out to agencies that serve Blount County that are responsible for wildland fire prevention and emergency preparedness.  I have asked each of these agencies to join me in a public forum where together we can inform the Blount County citizens of the inter-agency teamwork and cooperation that has led to our county’s preparedness. My 27 years’ experience in the fire service has taught me the importance of preparing and planning for such events as well as communicating those plans to the citizens who may be impacted.

I am asking citizens to join me at either of these planned meetings where we will present and discuss the measures we have in place and how we are incorporating advanced technology into these measures.”

Two meetings are planned at this time:  September 25 & 26

Monday, September 25 at 6:00 at the auditorium Great Smoky Heritage Center

Tuesday, September 26 at 6:00 at the auditorium at Walland Elementary School

Representatives from the following will be attending:

State of Tennessee, Division of Forestry

Blount County & Townsend Fire Departments

National Park Service

Blount County EMA

Blount County Sheriff’s Office

Mayor Mitchell adds, “As we see more and more of our population moving into the wildland urban interface areas and having seen the devastation that happened in Sevier County with the wildfires, it is crucial that we are prepared and have every measure in place to ensure that our citizens’ lives are safe.”

Press Release questions can be directed to the Blount County Mayor’s office at 273-5700.