Fire at Royal Oaks charcoal kiln 'contained for the moment,' no homes damaged

A fire is still burning at Royal Oaks charcoal kiln in Ellsinore, but it is considered contained as of 8 a.m. Thursday.

“It is contained for the moment. There are still crews on scene, but it is no longer considered out of control,” said Carter County Sheriff’s Department Dispatcher Jennifer Woodard.

Woodard said no homes in the area had been damaged. Fire crews used preventative measures that were able to keep the fire from nearby houses.

No injuries have been reported from the fire.

The first call came into Carter County Sheriff’s Department shortly after 4 p.m. At that time, it was reported the fire was considered small.

It quickly grew, Woodard said.

Mutual aid was requested and many area fire departments, mostly volunteer, arrived to help. A partial list of those scene includes the Ellsinore, Van Buren, Grandin, Garwood and Greenville fire departments.

Ellsinore Fire Department reported that nearby homes were evacuated before 8 p.m. Wednesday. A shelter was set up at the Ellsinore EMA building.

The Carter County Sheriff’s Department also released an evening statement asking individuals not to drive in the area of the fire, stating, “... We have had to have many vehicles moved so emergency vehicles can get to the location.”

Residents in the area reported the glow from the fire could be seen from miles in every direction.