Several local and area fire departments remain busy putting out wildfires.

The Blair Volunteer Fire Department has responded to nearly a dozen since Monday.

Officials say the latest was on Poplar Creek Road after someone was carelessly disposing of a cigarette.

Authorities say Roane County’s drought conditions continue to worsen.

Fire officials ask everyone to restrict any outdoor burning at this time until a significant amount of rain falls.

A local fire department responded to a brush fire earlier this week that was started by something as simple as a balloon coming in contact with a power line.

Many adjoining county fire departments continue to battle large brush fires.

The Tennessee Division of Forestry is not issuing burn permits at this time.