Posted on 11/30/2016 12:11:15 PM PST by Sean_Anthony
If it hasn't yet occurred to you to pray for Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge
I feel negligent that we haven’t dealt with this before now. Yes, it’s nonpolitical, but we normally pay plenty of attention to stories that affect (and especially that threaten) large numbers of people. I don’t know if you’ve ever been to Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge. I’ve been there several times, and even visited Dollywood, which may be in its final days - or even hours.
It occurred to me yesterday that if there’s any silver lining to a situation like this, it’s that people would presumably have enough warning that they could at least get out of there and escape the threat to their own lives. But sadly we’re finding out that’s not universally true:
Praying in Jesus Name.
Praying in Christ
Both prayers and assistance are needed.
The worst is over. Dollywood is safe.
They did lose some of their cabins up in the Smokey mountains, but that is all.
BTW, Dollywood is a really nice, pretty park. Many trees and flowers throughout the park. Even on a pure sun day, one can just sit under one of those trees and feel just fine.
It’s a bit pricey. Last time I went with my sister, $50 to get in, but they do not gouge on food and drink.
Also, the live shows are very good and covered by admission. Just walk into the one you want to see.
Even my teenage nephew was taken by a show. Requested to see it again on a return visit.
I learned to ski up there in my yoots.
I think I heard as of now, 7 deaths and many still missing. As to destroyed cabins and busineses, I heard so far 700. This was quite a tragedy.
Regarding the 7 dead (so far): Only 30% of the homes and properties have been checked for survivors and fatalities as of today (Wed.). I’m afraid the death toll will rise as the search continues. I hope the zoning boards (if they have zoning boards) in Sevier County will re-think the wisdom of allowing a huge population to build in the woods. Many homes and rentals didn’t even have yards. This is definitely the largest fire in recent years with probably the largest human and economic toll, but it’s not the only fire resulting in loss of property in Sevier Co. Our ancestors knew better than to build without clearing a large portion nearest the home. The old families sold their acreage to developers and developers made lots of money. Nothing wrong with that per se, but buyer...BEWARE!
11 dead, and still others missing. That number will climb.
Death toll has risen to 13.
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