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Fire chief cites largest recent wildfire and urges radio upgrades for county fleet
Summary
At a March committee meeting Fire Chief Jeff Stewart reported the county's largest recent wildfire burned 285 acres and praised interagency response; he also told the committee more than 40 mobile radios in county vehicles need replacement at an estimated $4,500–$5,000 each to reduce tower load.
Bradley County Fire Chief Jeff Stewart told the Fire Committee on March 4 that county crews and mutual-aid partners contained several recent grass and timber fires and that recruitment incentives tied to the Tri-State Mutual Aid grant have improved volunteer participation.
Chief Stewart described progress at the new Minnis Road fire facility — parking areas have been graveled and site work for paving is planned in spring — and reported the department is working to install internet at all stations. He highlighted a department equipment need: more than 40 mobile radios require upgrading at an estimated unit cost between $4,500 and $5,000. Chief Stewart said the radio upgrades would help reduce load on local towers and improve communications.
Committee members also reviewed an email from Tennessee Division of Forestry technician Joshua Dunn describing the 2024 Horton Road wildfire as the largest he has worked in Bradley County: the event burned about 285 acres in total (roughly 134 acres forested and 151 acres grass or replanted ground), required more than four miles of dozer line, and resulted in 19 structures saved and no injuries. Dunn estimated timber and plantation losses in the tens of thousands of dollars and praised the responding agencies.
Chief Stewart and committee members characterized the joint response as successful and emphasized continued coordination with the Forestry Service and investment in radios and station infrastructure.
