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FireWise UPDATES 03/25/2026
Reminders:
- No open burning, no fireworks - this is for the ENTIRE SME community
- Sign up for CodeRed emergency alert notifications https://accountportal.onsolve.net/SCTNCodeRED
- Kill/Remove invasive plant species
- Contact Dara if you would like a home assessment
- Please remember to check the message board for updates
- KYNN - know your neighbors and neighborhood
Community Announcements:
- Community communication will be moved over to an app called SLACK. Slack app links will be sent to all phone via text. Please be sure to sign up. If you need a link, contact Dara.
- Slack usage to broadcast pertinent announcements to SME residents only
- Announcements to include - safety alerts, road conditions/repairs, lost pets, lost & found, community events, POA updates, FireWise announcements/events.
- Wild WeedWhacker Weekend - to be scheduled mid-late June - a community work day.
FireWise Grant Money $17,000 - committee approved spending:
- Approx $4600 spent on vegetation management
- Approx $250 spent on message board on guard shack
- Potential new purchases to spend the balance include: chemicals, backpack blowers, new door and security for guard shack, PPE (ear, eye protection, gloves, rakes, vests), printer paper & ink
- New reflective street and stops signs including new posts, plus installation
- Additional vegetation management
2 EMERGENCY EVACUATION ONLY exits
A map for each is available, click on the picture: Reid Extension & Torri Top
- Reid Lane Extension is one lane and requires going through 2 gates to exit down to Upper Middle Creek. The code for the gate locks can be obtained through a SME POA board member. ONLY SHIELDS MOUNTAIN ESTATES RESIDENTS MAY USE THE CODE.
- Record this code in your phone as a Contact or in a vault app. Or put it on a post-it on the back of your car’s registration sheet in your glove box - anywhere you will remember to look for it
- IMPORTANT - the Reid Lane Extension emergency exit MAY ONLY BE USED IN THE EVENT OF EMERGENCY EVACUATION.
- Any abuse of this exit for NON-emergency will cause the property owner to revoke our permission and to change the lock code. That abuse will be considered trespassing.
2 EMERGENCY EVACUATION ONLY exits
A map for each is available, click on the picture: Reid Extension & Torri Top
- Torri Top exit is a one lane unmaintained road. Going up Torri Top will lead to a gate fastened closed with zip ties. The zip ties will need to be cut in order to open the gate. Keeping a box cutter in the car is suggested. It leads to a few rental neighborhoods with no clear exit signs.
- All are strongly encouraged to drive up Walker Trail on a nice day to explore that neighborhood and find that gate. Use GPS with this address to help navigate up to that point: 2317 Windy Ln, Sevierville, TN. Note the roads back down to Upper Middle Creek.
- IMPORTANT - the Torri Top emergency exit MAY ONLY BE USED IN THE EVENT OF EMERGENCY EVACUATION.
ANY QUESTIONS: Please contact Dara Bradshaw DLBradshaw44@gmail.com 937-313-8617
FireWise Notes 10/15/2025
Welcome to the first edition of FireWise Notes for our community of Shields Mountain Estates...
With the beginning of wildfire season officially beginning Oct 15, please give consideration to the following items:
- The wild fire risk for SME is rated “Extremely High.” Anything that can be done to reduce the fuel load around the homes and within the development has the potential to reduce the chances of damage and or loss of property and lives.
- 2024 included 4 fires within the development - 3 of which involved direct contact of trees, branches with power lines. Sevier County Electric System (SCES) had tree maintenance done this past year on the main power lines along the roads. They did a good job clearing those lines.
- Unfortunately, there are numerous properties in the development that have power line encroachment by trees and branches on the power lines running from the street power poles to the individual homes - known as the service lines. These service lines are the responsibility of the homeowners to keep clear. Please inspect your service power lines and plan accordingly.
- The fire community recommends B&B Tree Management - they will happily come out, look at the power lines, and provide a quote. 1-865-366-7313
- Create a defensible space around the home. Fuel reduction around the structure can be accomplished by clearing leaves, debris, bushes, logs, trees from the 5’ radius surrounding the home. Don’t forget to clean out gutters.
- A member of the fire community is available to inspect properties to give specific recommendations.
- Additional information at the Pigeon Forge link below.
- Be sure you are signed up for CodeRed to receive local emergency notifications specific to your area. public.coderedweb.com/CNE/en-US/BFF333CFFEA0
- If link inactive, search Sevier County, TN CodeRed signup.
- Remember there is a 100% burn ban for SME.
- Remember there is a 100% ban on fireworks in SME.
- Create your Ready, Set, Go plan and practice it.
- Additional information on the Pigeon Forge link below.
- https://cityofpigeonforge.com/ready-set-go-pilot-program.aspx
- The fire community recommends reflective signage - it makes it easier for them to find a property. Marna Maynard (Torri Dr.) has order forms and has graciously volunteered to take completed forms and checks (preferred payment) to the fire station. Cost is $20 for 1-sided and $25 for 2-sided signage. She is happy to also pick them up and deliver them when completed. Big thank you to Marna! Please contact Marna directly at 1-740-438-0195.
Looking Ahead
Questions or Concerns
Questions or Concerns
A new message board and fire danger sign will be put in place in the next few months on the guard shack.
A community work day will be scheduled in December. Current thoughts are to work on cleaning out ditches after the leaves have dropped. Volunteers will be needed. More information to follow.
Big shout out and thank you to Mr Bishop. His trimming along the sides of the road in various areas around SME is a great help with fuel mitigation. Also, a big thank you to Vicky W. for donating the Fire Danger sign.
Questions or Concerns
Questions or Concerns
Questions or Concerns
Please contact Dara Bradshaw DLBradshaw44@gmail.com 937-313-8617