Update on Gatlinburg fires: three people killed

map Chimney Tops 2 Fire

Above: Infrared map of the Chimney Tops 2 Fire, November 27, 2016. By Colorado’s MultiMission Aircraft.

For the most current information about the Chimney Tops 2 Fire at Gatlinburg, see our articles tagged “Chimney 2 Fire”.

(UPDATED at 11:05 p.m. EST November 29, 2016)

Sevier County officials reported that there have been three fatalities related to the fires in the Gatlinburg, Tennessee area. Sevier County includes Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg, and part of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. At least 14 people have been injured.

Three individuals with severe burns were transferred from the University of Tennessee’s Knoxville (UTK) Hospital to Vanderbilt Medical Center in Nashville Monday night. A fourth person with burns to their face continues to be evaluated at UTK.

Pigeon Forge officials estimate 500 people were evacuated on Monday night. Approximately 125 people remain displaced and in local shelters in Pigeon Forge. About 14,000 residents and visitors evacuated from Gatlinburg.

The National Park service estimates that a total of 15,000 acres have burned in Great Smoky Mountains National Park and in the areas in and around Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge. On Wednesday the NPS will transfer command of the fires within the park to a Type 1 Incident Management Team run by Mike Dueitt. Teams like this are made up of federal and state interagency team members from across the country who collaboratively manage wildland fires and other natural disasters.

Map Gatlinburg, TN area
Map of the Gatlinburg, TN area, November 29, 2016.

Eventually we hope to obtain a map, much better than the one above, of the fires in the Gatlinburg area. Check back later. (UPDATE: we posted a much better map on November 30.)

We do not yet have complete information about how many fires are burning, where they are, the causes, and where all of the fire(s) started that eventually burned into the communities of Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge.

The NPS reported Tuesday morning that 80 mph winds gusts, low humidities, and drought conditions…

…caused the fire burning in the National Park to spread rapidly and unpredictably, in spite of suppression efforts on Sunday that included helicopter water drops. Wind gusts carried burning embers long distances causing new spot fires to ignite across the north-central area of the park and into Gatlinburg. In addition, high winds caused numerous trees to fall throughout the evening on Monday bringing down power lines across the area that ignited additional new fires that spread rapidly due to sustained winds of over 40 mph.

Presumably the fire within the park was the Chimney Tops 2 Fire, which started November 23 and was reported to be 10 acres Sunday evening, November 27. Apparently the NPS was not able to completely suppress the fire during that four-day period.

The Tennessee Emergency Management Agency, in their Tuesday update, wrote:

The Chimney Top Fire, which began in the Great Smoky Mountains, spread very rapidly yesterday evening as high winds pushed flames onto private property.

They were probably referring to the Chimney Tops 2 Fire.

****

(UPDATED at 10:13 a.m. EST November 29, 2016)

About 100 homes in Seiver County Tennessee have been either damaged or destroyed in wildfires that started in or near Great Smoky Mountains National Park in eastern Tennessee. The state’s Emergency Management Agency (TEMA) which conducted a quick preliminary survey, reported at 3 a.m. ET Tuesday that about 10 of those homes were in Gatlinburg. In addition, 30 other structures in Gatlinburg have been damaged or destroyed, including a 16-story hotel on Regan Drive and the Driftwood Apartments near the Park Vista Hotel.

State Highway 441 heading into Gatlinburg is closed, except for emergency traffic but it is open for evacuating residents.

There are no reports of fatalities. TEMA reports that three persons with severe burns were transferred form University of Tennessee’s Knoxville (UTK) hospital to Vanderbilt Medical Center in Nashville overnight. A fourth with burns to their face continues to be evaluated at UTK. Currently, there are no reports of fatalities.

An accident involving a fire truck resulted in minor injuries.

Over 12,000 residents are without power and 1,200 are being sheltered at the Gatlinburg Community Center and the Rocky Top Sports Park.

From Great Smoky Mountains National Park Tuesday morning:

Unpredicted, extreme weather conditions on Sunday afternoon through Monday led to the exponential spread of fires both inside and outside of the National Park. Severe wind gusts of over 80 mph, unprecedented low relative humidity, and extended drought conditions caused the fire burning in the National Park to spread rapidly and unpredictably, in spite of suppression efforts on Sunday that included helicopter water drops. Wind gusts carried burning embers long distances causing new spot fires to ignite across the north-central area of the park and into Gatlinburg. In addition, high winds caused numerous trees to fall throughout the evening on Monday bringing down power lines across the area that ignited additional new fires that spread rapidly due to sustained winds of over 40 mph.

The Tennessee National Guard is in the process of mobilizing 100 personnel from East Tennessee to assist Sevier County with transporting 1st responders, removing light debris, and assisting with welfare checks.

Tenn. Highway Patrol rescue
State Troopers hiked in to devastated areas in Gatlinburg, TN to rescue and escort out trapped residents. Tenn. Highway Patrol photo.

At least 50 to 60 engines from fire departments in east Tennessee have responded to assist.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park officials have closed all facilities in the park due to the extensive fire activity and downed trees.

The video below shows multiple structures burning in Westgate Resort.

****

(UPDATED at 12:25 a.m. EST November 29, 2016)

gatlinburg fire radar smoke
Smoke from the fires near Gatlinburg, TN can be seen between rain bands in the radar image at 12:17 a.m. ET November 29, 2016. Since this image was captured after about 1/10″ of rain, the smoke could be coming from burning structures.

****

(UPDATED at 12:09 a.m. EST November 29, 2016)

Pigeon Forge, north of Gatlinburg, is being evacuated. This notice was sent at 11:47 p.m. EST November 28:

Pigeon Forge evacuation

About a tenth of an inch of precipitation has fallen in the last hour at several weather stations in the Gatlinburg and Great Smoky Mountains area. But that wave of rain was short-lived, and Brad Panovich (@wxbrad) reports that it only briefly slowed the spread of the fires. But more is on the way.

The video below was shot from inside the Park Vista Hotel in Gatlinburg, TN.

****

(UPDATED at 10:48 p.m. EST November 28, 2016)

The voluntary evacuation for Gatlinburg has escalated to an urgent evacuation of the entire city.

The Sevier County Emergency Management Agency sent the following message via the National Weather Service Monday night:

Urgent – immediate broadcast requested
Evacuation Immediate
Sevier County emergency management Agency
Relayed by National Weather Service Morristown TN
903 PM EST Mon Nov 28 2016

The following message is transmitted at the request of the Sevier County emergency management Agency.

The city of Gatlinburg and nearby communities are being evacuated Due to wildfires. Nobody is allowed into the city at this Time. If you are currently in Gatlinburg and are Able to evacuate…Evacuate immediately and follow any instructions from emergency officials. If you are not instructed to evacuate…Please Stay off The Roads.

****

(Updated at 8:30 p.m. EST November 28, 2016)

wildfire Great Smoky Mountains National Park
A fire in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, November 28, 2016. NPS photo.

At least two wildfires burning in Great Smoky Mountains National Park are causing problems in the park and in nearby Gatlinburg, Tennessee. The Chimney 2 Fire has been burning since November 23 and was reported to be 10 acres Sunday evening, but overnight 40 mph winds gusting to 74 mph caused the fire to spread more quickly. Park officials on Monday morning estimated it had grown to about 500 acres.

A second fire was discovered Monday near the Twin Creek Picnic Pavilion off Cherokee Orchard Road two miles south of Gatlinburg.

map Chimney 2 Fire
Map of fires in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The yellow dots that may be heat from the Chimney 2 Fire were detected by a satellite at 2:09 a.m. EST November 27, 2016.

Officials have ordered the evacuation of the Twin Creeks area, as well as the Elkmont and Park Headquarters housing areas.

An incident management team and four 20-person hand crews should be arriving Monday and Tuesday.

These fires are sending large quantities of smoke into nearby Gatlinburg, Tennessee. According to WJHL, on Wednesday afternoon the Gatlinburg Fire Department was going door to door asking residents to voluntarily evacuate.

The weather forecast for Gatlinburg calls for very strong winds, 25 mph gusting to 41 mph, to continue Monday night, but there is an 80 to 100 percent chance of rain during the night, possibly as much as 0.8 inch. The rain is expected to continue through Wednesday night. If the National Weather Service forecast is correct, Gatlinburg could receive over 2 inches of rain during this 48-hour period. If it does not put out the fires in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, it will certainly slow them down for an extended period of time.

For the most current information about the Chimney Tops 2 Fire at Gatlinburg, see our articles tagged “Chimney 2 Fire”.

Typos, let us know HERE, and specify which article. Please read the commenting rules before you post a comment.

Author: Bill Gabbert

After working full time in wildland fire for 33 years, he continues to learn, and strives to be a Student of Fire.

124 thoughts on “Update on Gatlinburg fires: three people killed”

  1. We stayed at 1435 Wiley oaks dr condo building by chateau village. Does anyone know if it was spared in the fire.

    0
    0
  2. My heart breaks for the families who have lost loved ones and have injuries and emotional trauma that will last a long time. Thank you to the firemen and women, police, first responders and eveyone correlating the efforts to handle this awful situation. It may not have been as efficient as that 20/20 hindsight but I have to believe they tried their best. Praying GODS peace and love to heal the hearts and land.

    0
    0
  3. I know a lot of homes in Wily Oakly and Chalet Village was destroyed. But, I was wondering about Sourwood drive off Village loop facing Mt LeConte. Particularly, Simply Irresistible chalet? Beautiful place with the best view on the mountain. Stayed in this area for years but this was like home.

    0
    0
    1. Apparently the Alum Cave Bluffs Trail was not affected. I compared a GSMNP Trail Map to the Chimney Tops 2 fire map on this website. Alum Cave Trail is slightly southeast of the fire’s origin. and the fire moved to the north and west, away from Alum Cave Trail.

      0
      0
      1. Thank you for the information. I was looking for an update on the Alum Cave Bluff Trails. It looks absolutely magical.

        0
        0
  4. We would like to know about Wiley Oakley Drive in Challet Village too. We stayed in the Twin Cedars Lodge this last summer. This is so heartbreaking!

    0
    0
    1. Hi Jessie. My family was contacted today about Twin Cedars Lodge in Chalet Village as we had rented it for a week in May. Unfortunately, it was a total loss – burnt to the ground. We’re so heartbroken for this community.

      0
      0
      1. Kelsey,

        I am so sorry to hear this. It is paradise up there. Prayers to all the families this Christmas.

        0
        0
  5. Does anyone know if Twin Oaks dr. off of Wiley Oakley dr. in Challet Village was affected? We own a house up there and are praying it is intact. If anyone has any information let me know!

    0
    0
  6. Amen! Let’s hope our government steps in to assist! Such a tragedy & my heart thoughts prayers goes out to everyone!

    0
    0
  7. the loss of life is tragic,humans and wildlife.but dont forget the structures can be rebuilt ,yes the historic ones are a shame,but the history lives on,and the forests will regenerate.it may take years,but the area will soon be beautifull again.im in california,just a few years ago an entire town burned to the ground,all of it,and every years we lose large sections of forest land.it all regenerates and we rebuild.it will all be fine in a few months or years.

    0
    0
  8. I was in the great Smokies in Nov. saw the beautiful colors now the trees are all gone. I sure hope they catch who set these fires. I am just in shock. I live in Tx so I travel to see the beauty God made in TN once a year. God bless all of you who lost your homes.

    0
    0
  9. I have loved the great smokey mountains and Gatlingburg since I was a child , we try to visit every year, my familys heart goes out to all our friends in the area, we recently survived a hurricane here in Florida so we are aware of the damage and lives destroyed there . Let’s all try to help the best we can as humans and Americans. This is a national tragedy economically , and environmentally, it’s time for our government to step in and help us instead of sending out tax money abroad. Save the Great Smokies or else America!

    0
    0
  10. We spent our honeymoon in a cabin on Crooked Ridge road, (Shaw Ridge cabin) just off Village Loop road back in 2001, since than we had two kids, we went back to our cabin in 2014 with the kids. I t was great to bring them back to where we started. I have a lot of pics and video going up Wiley Oakley Drive. My kids saw their first bear right in front of mansion in the sky on the loop. I’m deeply saddened of the destruction the fire has done to this great community. I have been looking for info on our cabin to see if it survived but from seeing the news and videos it is highly unlikely. To the locals, stay strong and bless you all.

    0
    0
  11. What about the Park itself? Are Rainbow Falls Trail and Alum Cave Bluffs Trail affected? How much acreage has burned in the wild areas? How much of LeConte (if any) was affected? Is the Appalachian Trail along the ridgecrest affected?

    Praying for the people of Gatlinburg, but worried about the forests, too.

    0
    0
  12. Have reservations for Black Bear Hollar, suppose to arrive tomorrow Dec. 1.,through Era of the Smokies, cannot reach them by phone or email, can anyone tell me how to contact them. Have no idea if the cabin is still there or not, I presume not but need confirmation.

    0
    0
  13. Has anyone heard about the High Alpine Condo off of Ski Mountain Road.
    I have a condo there. Been in the family for over 30 years.
    My heart go out for everyone in Gatlinburg and the surrounding area.
    I believe truly I lost my home. Any information would be great.

    0
    0
  14. I have been going to this little piece of God’s Country since the early sixties. I could talk for hours about what used to be, compared to now. I have spent literally months hiking and backpacking in those majestic mountains. The beauty and solitude they have provided me and my hiking buddies will live with us the rest of our lives. My brother-in-law told me, after we spent 3 days and 2 nights at Icewater Springs and Mt. LeConte in 1989, it was the greatest thing he had done to that point in his life. I used to think Gatlinburg was the reason to head south, from here in Ohio. No… I cannot explain what it is to spend a night, or 5, in a shelter on The Appalachian Trail. The friendship, the trail talk between hikers, a freeze-dried meal on an empty stomach, a cup of freshly brewed coffee, standing 6000 feet above sea level…the memories will never end. I am saddened about what has happened this week, and I pray for all of the folks affected by this tragic fire. My Aunt Jo and cousin Diane live up on one of the first mountains heading to P Forge from Gatlinburg off 441. I hope they are safe and out of danger. I also believe God will restore this national park to it’s previous beauty, and, although the scars and devastation of this fire will be visible for years, there is no doubt in my mind that it will, again, be the crown jewel of America’s National Parks.

    0
    0
  15. My family and I went to Tennessee a few years ago for a race in Bristol, while we were there in TN we went to the Smoky Mountains and visited for a day. So beautiful there, so very peaceful. I’m saddened to hear the miles of burnt land. Everyone pray for the people of this great state that they will overcome such a tragedy. Much love from Texas!

    0
    0
  16. We are so saddened to hear about the fires & our thoughts prayers go out to everyone involved and our first responders. Smoky Mtns is our favorite place to “get away from it all.” May the people find strength & comfort. Gods beauty will be restored.

    0
    0
  17. We are in tears to hear and see the horrible news of the Riverhouse Motor Lodge. We have spent many vacations there with our daughter and her friends and granddaughter over the years. Other close friends were there for a wedding just last month. Is Peddler’s and Bennet’s BBQ OK???

    0
    0
  18. Can anyone tell me if the Mountain Loft Resort is intact?
    We are scheduled for vacation after Christmas and I haven’t heard anything about this location.
    Our thoughts and prayers go out to this beautiful town. We love it there.

    0
    0
  19. We visit at least 2 to 3 times a year in this area. Breaks my heart for all the beautiful scenery to be destroyed as well as the devastation for families that have suffered losses. Supposed to be in Sevierville on Dec. 17th for 10 days, tried to cancel but keep being told everything is ok, but what
    about smoke and soot?

    0
    0
  20. I’ve been through the Smokies twice and had the chance to flyfish in them also. What a beautiful area. I’m heartbroken for the people in that area and praying the fire is put out. my prayers to all the people in that area.

    0
    0
  21. We send our prayers to all. We have temporarily lost a beautiful area but I know that it will be rebuilt, forests regrow and, people affected will come out stronger.

    0
    0
  22. We have stayed on Street of Dreams in the Outback Rentals community and had to use Wiley Oakley to get there, any idea if it was hit?

    0
    0
    1. Outback Resort was mostly destroyed by the fire. I have been in contact with the office manager there. She also lived in the resort and lost her home also. I’ve stayed there a few times myself. It was a wonderful and beautiful place. So very sad 🙁

      0
      0
  23. I got married in Gatlinburg my favorite vacation spot every!! May they catch the peoples involve, May Our Heaven Father bless the city to come back even strong and the bless the citizens with strength to survive!

    0
    0
  24. It is a fact that years ago Al Quaida’s magazine posted an article detailing how to start wildfires deep within forests without chance of discovery. Plan is to wreck economies and lives. A Colorado head firefighter spoke on national TV of this game plan of our enemy, but no one else ever spoke of it, and I bet he was silenced. political correctness. Instead everyone wants to say global warming.

    0
    0
  25. Does anyone have information on north skyline drive off Wiley Oakley in chalet village north. We live out of town but own a chalet on that street

    0
    0
    1. Cindy, there was fire on Skyline Drive. I know of one cabin (Buckhead) that has been lost to fire.

      I hope your chalet is fine.

      Be careful traveling.

      0
      0
      1. Thank you for that info . Does anyone know if the sevierville side of the mountain is open tomorrow to owners?

        0
        0
    2. That area is VERY heavily damaged. just about 95% of every home off Wiley Oakley and all the dead end roads are gone, particularly elevation above the Gatlinburg BY-pass. Ski MOuntain road has a lot of damage as well.

      0
      0
      1. Linda,

        Thanks for the info. I appreciate your help. Couldn’t tell from the maps of Glades Road was okay or not.

        0
        0
  26. Has anyone heard if Campbell Lead Road area (Gatlinburg) is in any danger now? Also, my thoughts and prayers are with all the good
    people in this terrible situation.

    0
    0
  27. We are supposed to be traveling to Gatlinburg next week for vacation and staying at the Park Vista Hotel. My thoughts and prayers to all who have been affected by this horrible wildfire. Be safe.

    0
    0
    1. Some burned. Some is safe. Was mainly close to Entrance and near Exit. I think a couple of historic structures on each end burned. We lost everything on Ski Mtn.

      0
      0
      1. Is roaring forks motor way just smokey or did it burn? We love to visit that whole area. Our prayers for all.

        0
        0
      2. I’m sorry for your loss Melinda.

        We were in Gatlinburg this past August. We truly love the area and the people that live there.

        I’ll pray for you and others in the area.

        0
        0
  28. Have many memories of staying in that area as a teenager with my parents and going there by myself as a young adult. I love the area with the friendly people and the beautiful background that nature provided. It kills me to know it is going up in fire. I am wondering Cades Cove is burning, as I spent a lot of time with my parents there as a child and teenager and it brings back memories. So sad.

    0
    0
  29. Prayers Gatlinburg & surrounding areas. Vacation destination since 1967. Heart breaking…. God speed…

    0
    0
  30. That wasn’t a political comment; it was a valid question. Additionally, no one is jumping to conclusions. If the reply came back and said 14 fires were intentionally set, it would be another matter, but it didn’t.

    0
    0
    1. No one accused you of anything. I take a proactive approach to managing this site. Some like it, others don’t. Setting the tone before things go adrift can pay dividends.

      “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.”

      0
      0
  31. Have been coming for NQC & Dollywod Havestfest the past 3 yrs. Love that area. Did the fire reach Cades Cove? So much natural wildlife there…hope it’s safe.

    0
    0
  32. What is your source of information for that statement. My point is this; recently jihadists have recently started hundreds of fires in Israel. With all the fires going on recently in the South and Southeast, I was wondering if they have started that campaign here.

    0
    0
    1. I caution everyone to not jump to conclusions. One of the fires that started several days ago in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, according to the National Park Service, was human caused. Some of the other fires that started on Monday originated during the wind storm when 80 mph winds blew trees into power lines that arced and started fires. It could be weeks or months before cause, origin, and suspects, if any, are released.

      This web site will not be a platform for political views. More information about the web site policies can be found HERE.

      0
      0
  33. Visited Gatlinburg area in july 2016 fell hopelessly in love with the region and it’s people. I am in tears and am praying for all affected.

    0
    0
    1. I feel your loss. My family and I have been visiting this area for years and I always thought of it as the place I was meant to be born even though I live in PA. The Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg area truly are one of the most beautiful displays of Gods power in this world. The whole place is breathtaking and The Smokies are what I imagine heaven must look like. When I heard of the devastation I literally sat and cried as if I had lost a close friend. My heart continues to break for all that has been lost in the matter of a few days. Not just the beauty and the things I love but the homes of people who now have nowhere to go. Resorts and businesses can be rebuilt. Lives cannot. Everyone affected by this tragedy will be in my prayers today and many days to come. My heart breaks a thousand times for all that is gone

      0
      0
      1. So sorry for your loss but I pray all family and friends are safe and that God will bring you peace through the rebuilding process. Hearts and Prayers are with you all! ~from Sugar Land, Texas

        0
        0
        1. In September I rode my motorcycle from KC MO to Mammoth Cave then through the Great Smokey Mountains to Robbinsville. I plan to ride back next year & the scenery was spectacular. I stayed at the Iron Horse Motorcycle Lodge, which I hope was spared from the fire.

          0
          0
      2. Melinda. Don’t say “we lost everything in Gatlinburg”. I was just there today Sunday the 11th. Downtown Gatlinburg is fine, can’t tell there was a fire. Upper Ski Mountain is burned. Wiley Oakley is mostly gone, all the way up. Chalet Village is about 80% gone. Roaring Fork and the Nature Trail roads have about 90% total damage. Tree Tops is non existent. Park Vista hotel is fine, but not open yet. The Alamo restaurant is gone, but the Baptist church right next door is fine. 441 (Newfound Gap Rd) from Gatlinburg to Cherokee is open over the Smokies (except for icy roads since it was 8 degrees up top this morning). Little River road is open and Townsend and Cades Cove is fine. Wear’s Valley had some damage in a couple developements, about 150 homes gone there. Gatlinburg/Pittman Center/Cobbly Nob area have about 1,500 homes gone. Pigeon Forge is mostly all okay except the fringe off Upper Middle Creek Rd just south of Dollywood, has some homes with damage and a couple totally gone.

        0
        0
          1. I was wondering the same thing. We have stayed in numerous chalets on Ski Mountain over the years. The past 4 years we have seen several bears in the area of Village loop and Sourwood. I hope they made it.

            0
            0
  34. Our hearts are saddened by this disaster!!! My husband and I travel to Gatlinburg 3+ times a year!! We feel as though we are losing our home!! Our prayers go out to all involved!!

    0
    0
  35. Praying for everyone this is like a scene out of a horror show. I have family in Sevierville area so I know the fear people are feeling for their loved ones. My heart goes out to everyone.

    0
    0
  36. We have stayed at Westgate Gatlinburg totally shocked from all in the United Kingdom, our prayers are going out to you all everywhere in the area, stay safe ??????

    0
    0
  37. My thoughts and prayers are with the people in Tennessee.
    I loved those Smoky Mountains♡♡
    I consider them my home also.
    Gay Pitts
    Hope Hull, Alabama

    0
    0
  38. The Smokies are our favorite vacation destination– Dollywood especially– our thoughts and prayers go out to all involved. We stay in the Sweet Memories cabin in the Bear Cove area– is it ok? Can’t tell from what is posted. God bless Dolly and her family–I know she must be devastated.

    0
    0
    1. My husband and I spent countless vacations in the Great Smokies. We hiked, had picnics and enjoyed the beauty of God’s creation. It is my favorite place to go. My husband passed away 3 years ago and I am glad he isn’t aware of devastation . My heart and prayers are with fire fighters, park personnel, homeowners and the lovers of the Great Smokies. Please save it!

      0
      0
  39. We were there in October. My family has been going there since the sixties. My son was there in July. Beautiful place to visit. Sending prayers to all involved.

    0
    0
    1. I read in another article the fires started from a spark blown from another nearby fire…this is so tragic!

      0
      0
      1. Gatlinburg is not totally Destroyed! Main street through town is intact. Ski Mountain many structures destroyed. OBER IS FINE, Aquarium structure and 11,000 animals are fine, Dolly wood is fine except some of their cabins on the Perimeter were damaged.

        0
        0
        1. We have been trying to reach the Tree Top resorts and cabins off Roaring Forks road but no answer.. Do you know their status??

          0
          0
          1. Almost every structure in Tree Tops resort and roaring fork are destroyed. There is a lnk on chimney tops 2 fire Facebook page that is now showing a detailed map of the structural damage. My home is across from Dollywood. The park is ok but watch three house burn next door.

            0
            0
          2. Tree Tops on Facebook gave information that damage would probably not be assessed before the end of next week. That area was heavily damaged. As an owner I await a report, hoping for the best. Don’t believe everything you read or hear, because most of it is rumor.

            0
            0
    1. Sevierville is fine and will be, it’s too urban and further away from the mountains. Pigeon Forge would have issues first. Cades cove is fine, they do controlled burns every year to prevent damage from issues like this.

      0
      0
      1. Was the picnic ground called the Chimneys burned? We love going there but just cant tell from maps what burned.

        0
        0
  40. I’m wondering how near fires are to Townsend, Tn. and Cherokee NC ? I can’t determine by the 2 maps I’ve seen. Prayers for all involved.

    0
    0
    1. Townsend is fine, So is Cades Cove area. I believe Wears Valley is fine too. I’m from Michigan and vacation in the area every few years as I have family on the other side of the mountains on the SE side of Maryville.

      0
      0
      1. Wears Valley had rain most of the day today (11/30/16) and in between we were able to see the mountains and the sky for the first time in about 2 weeks.

        0
        0
  41. This breaks my heart. This is our very favorite place to go..the people are all so friendly and just feels like you’re home when you are there! My prayers are with every single person there dealing with this, prayers for all the firefighters also. Hoping the rain will help out! God bless all!!

    0
    0
  42. Our prayers are with all. My husband and I are traveling from Tallahassee FL to Asheville, N Ca. Are the fires impacting the Asheville area?
    thank you for your time

    0
    0
  43. What a beautiful area on the country. My husband and I vacationed there several years ago and loved it. Want to go back. My prayers are with everyone there and their properties and loved ones. Wish I could help somehow.

    0
    0
    1. I live in West Tennessee and travel to the smokes as much as possible it is such an awful thing to happen to such beautiful countryside my wife and I are planning on relocating there in the near future and building a new home.

      0
      0
    2. Maybe it would help if you went again and supported their economy. It will be a shame if people cancel their vacation plans and/or reservations just when their contributions are needed so much! I have visited there twice and it is my favorite vacation spot! I live in New Hampshire so it is a long trip, but worth it…

      0
      0
      1. All of us in Bristol are donating cash thru Food City stores & Red Cross. Money is requested as they have enough tangible items donated

        0
        0
    1. Dolly was in my home town tonight doing a show she is okay and a release was made that dolly wood was fortunate and survived

      0
      0

Comments are closed.