2025 Tennessee wildfires


The 2025 Tennessee wildfires were a series of wildfiress that burned in the U.S. state of Tennessee.

Background

Historically, Tennessee has two distinct periods of heightened wildfire activity, referred to as "fire seasons." The spring fire season typically occurs from February 15 to May 15, when low humidity, dry vegetation, and gusty winds can lead to rapid fire spread. This season generally ends when leaf-out and increased humidity reduce flammability.
The fall fire season generally runs from October 15 to December 15, when fallen leaves, dry grasses, and reduced rainfall create favorable conditions for ignition. Although spring sees a higher number of wildfires, many of the state's largest and most destructive fires, such as those during the 2016 Great Smoky Mountains wildfires, have occurred in the fall.
Wildfires can occur at any time of year in Tennessee, particularly during periods of drought or when human-caused ignition sources, such as debris burning, are present. A state burn permit is required for outdoor debris fires between October 15 and May 15 in areas where local restrictions do not apply.

Summary

Tennessee’s 2025 wildfire season remains active, with most activity concentrated during the spring and fall “burn windows.”
Historically, more than 90% of wildfires in Tennessee are caused by humans. To curb risk, the Tennessee Department of Agriculture Division of Forestry requires free burn permits for leaf or debris burning during the October 15–May 15 period.
Smoke from active fires has been tracked via the Tennessee Wildfire Public Viewer, with haze and reduced visibility in some counties when wind is light or inversions form.

List of wildfires

The following is a list of fires that burned more than, produced significant structural damage, or resulted in casualties.
NameCountyAcresStart dateContainment dateNotesRef.
Sevier - East ParkwaySevier1,0874 3 202514 3 2025
Big GlowGreene2,87520 3 202524 3 2025