5 Ways Residences Can Cut Down Risk Of House Fire

Cooking fires remain the most common cause of house fires, as the Tennessee State Fire Marshal’s Office encourages all of us to reduce residential fire risks. Baxter Fire Chief Matthew White said the guidance focuses on maintaining working smoke alarms, using safe cooking practices, operating heaters correctly, and creating a home fire escape plan. White […]
One Fatality After Structure Fire Off Dyer Ridge Road

Local authorities have reported one fatality after a single-wide trailer caught fire off of Dyer Ridge Road in Putnam County. Authorities first responded to the fire early Monday morning. Upon arrival, responders discovered the trailer had already collapsed. While searching through the debris, human remains were discovered. The remains were unidentifiable and were sent to […]
Do Not Overlook Grill Dangers, Burns And Fires Around 4th

A local fire chief reminding residents to use caution while working the grill at July 4th cookouts this weekend. Baxter Fire Chief Matt White said people use their grills so often, they can overlook precautions while cooking. White said distractions around the holiday may cause people to be less careful. White said it all starts […]
Fire Department Requires Burn Permits; Gives Safety Tips

The start of May means burn permits are no longer needed unless you live inside the city or town limits. Obtaining a burn permit helps fire departments control what is burned. Livingston Fire Chief Rocky Dial said people in the Livingston city limits need permits to burn year-round. “It stops us from making a lot […]
Putnam Commissioners To Consider Cost Of Living Raise

When the Putnam County Commissioners meet next Monday to potentially decide on a new budget, they will consider cost of living adjustments for employees. Commissioner Jonathan Williams asked to see what a two percent increase for full-time employees and four percent for police, fire, and EMS workers would cost the county. Putnam County Mayor Randy […]
Putnam Fire Calling Fatal Baxter Fire An Accident

Putnam County Fire Chief Jeff Hicks said he believes a house fire that claimed the life of a 79-year-old Baxter resident was an accident. Hicks said firefighters entered the burning structure through a window and extracted Mildred Wade in just 14 minutes after receiving the initial page. He said he believes this was an accidental […]
Cookeville Fire Returns Citizens Fire Academy

The Cookeville Fire Department is bringing back the Citizen Fire Academy to teach the public about the daily responsibilities of a firefighter, and how to respond to different emergencies. Fire Chief Benton Young said the department discontinued the course some eight years ago due to a lack of time and interest. He said the eight-week […]
Burn Permits Still Required Across UC Through May 15

With lawn work increasing, fire officials remind all residents of the region that burn permits are still required through May 15. Jackson And Putnam County Area Forester Jeff Thompson said permits have been required since October 15 when leaves began to fall. He said many people like to use the early spring for a brush […]
Thursday Fire Results In Complete Loss of Byrdstown Business

A commercial structure fire destroyed Byrdstown’s Country Farm and Home Lawn and Garden facility Thursday morning. The building center was not impacted. Firefighters responded around 6am. Fire Chief Garry Garrett said departments from surrounding counties including Overton and Monroe helped with the response. Garrett said the building had been burning for some time before firefighters […]
Putnam Asking Cookeville To Annex Fairgrounds Property

Putnam County Commissioners voted Monday night to request Cookeville annex the portion of the new Putnam County Fairgrounds that falls outside city limits. Putnam County Mayor Randy Porter said the new fairgrounds fall directly on the Cookeville border, leaving half of the parcel outside city limits. He said the city cannot provide resources like sewer […]









