What was initially reported to be a structure fire is a wildland fire that started around 9:40 a.m. today near Sparta between Spear Loop and Swafford Rd. The fire is estimated to be around 15-20 acres in size and is now being handled by the Tennessee Division of Forestry.

No water is being used to combat the flames as the fire is too far from water sources. State Forestry has brought in three bulldozers to make plow lines and put out the fire by starving it of anything to burn.

Local firefighters believe the fire may have been caused by illegal trash burning. Cumberland County Fire Department has issued a reminder and plea to not burn trash or brush at this time, as burn permits will not be given out, and many counties are under an outright burn ban.