Rhea County Emergency Management

05/09/2026

05/05/2026

Our main goal is to keep the families of Rhea County safe. No new road closures today, but heavy foot traffic is expected in the area of Downtown Dayton near the walking track.

Also, remember that today is Election Day and areas around the polls and Election Commission may be busier than usual. Please plan ahead and remain alert.

The carnival is open from 6:00 P.M. until 11:00 P.M. tonight.

Tennessee Strawberry Festival Dayton, TN Chamber of Commerce Rhea County Emergency Management

05/01/2026

04/21/2026

TRAFFIC ALERT:

Update 1:03pm: Cranmore Cove Rd is now fully reopened for traffic.

Update 11:20am: Cranmore Cove Rd is still closed to thru traffic at time. This post will be updated when Cranmore Cove has been fully reopened.

7:30am: Please use caution in the area of the 3600 block of Cranmore Cove Rd/State Rd 303 while crews work to clear a non-injury commercial vehicle accident. The roadway may be shut down at times while the wrecker service clears the accident scene. This post will be updated when the roadway has been reopened.

04/12/2026

Let's help support our local volunteer fire department.

03/28/2026

The Tennessee Division of Forestry has placed Rhea County, along with multiple counties across East Tennessee, under hazardous fire conditions. As a result, burn permits will not be issued through at least March 30, 2026.

Residents are reminded that burn permits are required for all outdoor burning between October 15 and May 15.

If you observe any signs of smoke, fire, or suspicious burning activity, please contact Rhea County Non-Emergency Dispatch at 423-775-2442. In the event of an emergency, dial 911.

For updates on burn permit status or to obtain additional information, please visit: https://www.tn.gov/tnwildlandfire/prevention/safe-debris-burning/permits.html

We encourage all citizens to remain vigilant and help reduce the risk of wildfire during these elevated conditions.

02/07/2026

Today we mourn the loss of original Rhea County Fire Association Charter Member, Charlie Dye. Charlie helped build the Grandview Station in 1984 and began responding to incidents in 1985. He shared his passion for serving his community with his family, both through the Rhea County Fire Department and the Spring City “500” division of the Rhea County Rescue Squad. Members include his sons, Terry and Tim, and grandsons Mason and Karson, though many others have also volunteered throughout the years. We are sending our prayers and positive thoughts to Mrs. Betty and the entire Dye family. Thank you, Charlie, for your service to Rhea County.

Visitation for Charlie Dye will be tomorrow, Sunday, February 8th, at Vaughn Funeral Home from 2:00 P.M. - 4:00 P.M. with a celebration of life at 4:00.

01/31/2026

The Rhea County Emergency Management Agency extends our deepest condolences on the passing of Paul “Dwight” Zimmerman, who was laid to rest today.

Dwight dedicated more than 40 years of faithful service to the Rhea County Fire Department – Pine Grove. As one of the founding members of the Pine Grove Fire Department, he helped build the foundation that so many continue to stand on today. His commitment, leadership, and unwavering devotion to his community will never be forgotten.

To his family, friends, and his fire service brothers and sisters, we hold you close in our thoughts. Dwight’s legacy lives on in every life he touched and every call he answered.

Rest easy, Dwight. We’ve got it from here.