Officials are urging citizens along the Hickman Creek area from Alexandria downstream into Smith County to avoid Fishing, Drinking, Playing or Swimming in the creek until further notice.  An unknown substance has been detected in Hickman Creek which has led to several dead fish.

Authorities from the United States Environmental Protection Agency, Tennessee Department of Environmental and Conservation, Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, Dekalb County Emergency Management, and the Town of Alexandria are currently working to resolve this situation.