The Tennessee Emergency Management Agency has declared a state of emergency due to the continuing drought, wildfires and threat of wildfires. TEMA Director Patrick Sheehan says around 302 of Tennessee’s 480 water systems are having some level of drought impact, ranging from moderate to exceptional. At least three counties have requested assistance for residents whose wells have run dry. Around 6,000 to 6,200 acres have burned due to wildfires in Bledsoe, Hamilton, Monroe and Sequatchie counties. There are currently 53 active fires in the state. Residents in 10 to 15 homes near one fire in Hamilton County were evacuated on Wednesday. Another fire in Hamilton County and ones in Campbell and Sequatchie counties are threatening homes and property. Sheehan says weather forecasts don’t show any significant precipitation for the rest of the year. The Level III State of Emergency allows TEMA to engage personally and resources from state and federal partners.