Tennessee is under a state of emergency due to a drought and the threat of wildfires.

It’s a Level 3 state of emergency, meaning the situation is deteriorating rapidly.

Approximately 302 of Tennessee’s 480 water systems are experiencing some level of drought impact. At least three counties have requested water because wells have run completely dry.

Fifty-three wildfires are currently burning in East Tennessee, impacting almost 10,000 acres.

The state of emergency will allow resources for state and federal partners to be more readily available if needed to protect lives and property.