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. 

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.

Please contact Dara Bradshaw DLBradshaw44@gmail.com 937-313-8617