Posted on 11/28/2016 9:00:50 PM PST by ReformedBeckite
GATLINBURG, TN (WSMV) -
One of Tennessee’s most popular tourist destinations is being evacuated due to wildfires. Downtown Gatlinburg and numerous area neighborhoods, including the southern part of Pigeon Forge, are under a mandatory evacuation.
The Tennessee Emergency Management Agency has declared a level three state of emergency for the affected areas. TEMA says 30 structures are currently on fire in Gatlinburg, including a 16-story hotel.
The Tennessee National Guard will be deployed to Sevier County to assist with clearing and removing debris.
Officials said there are no reports of fatalities at this time. At least one person suffered a burn injury and minor injuries were reported in an accident involving a fire truck.
TEMA is asking Sevier County residents to stay off mobile devices unless it is an emergency.
The National Weather Service says nobody is being allowed into the city at this time.School buses are being used for emergency transport.
Gatlinburg Fire Chief Greg Miller is asking the public for prayers and asking everyone to stay off the highways so emergency vehicles have full access.
Fire officials decided to impose the evacuation around 6 p.m. Shelters have been set up in multiple locations.
Sevier County Schools will be closed on Tuesday due to the fires.
A fire in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park has grown to about 500 acres because of strong winds. It began to spread rapidly due to strong winds on Monday.
The fire has been burning since last Wednesday and has forced several roads and trails in the parks to close.
Heavy winds are still expected in Sevier County until Tuesday morning, but rainfall is moving into the area.
There is a line of rain on the way. That should help some.
This does not look good. I wonder if we’re going to be facing “fire jihad” as the Israelis currently are facing?
I haven’t posted anything in years, so I might not of done this right or in a very good format, but I thought it prudent to get this out to you all. I don’t know if this will end up in breaking news or not, it is ok with me if it doesn’t. This is from channel 4 news in Nashville which I watch all the time for news. If someone can find a better news source of the event, free free to post the news.
Remember all the Cali wildfires a few years back? Many here suspected terrorists.
Just don’t let Dolly’s hair catch on fire!
I live a couple of hours from there. It’s a very beloved place for many. Prayers appreciated.
This was breaking news on WSMV during the news broadcast and they were breaking in occasionally and giving details. At the end of the 30 minute news broadcast, they said Dolly Land was on fire, and some parts of Gatlinburg were on fire, and some tall motel was on fire, I think they said 16 story motel.
It’s already been underway here, for years. Lots of articles:
https://www.google.com/search?client=opera&q=jihad+fire+in+america&sourceid=opera&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8
I am so sorry beautiful Tennessee is in the situation we here in CA always find ourselves. So many healthy trees. So much rain. How??
Oh how awful! I have been to Gatlinburg many times, it is a magical place. Such natural beauty mixed with so much good ol’ hokey Americana, there’s nothing like it.
Sad about Dollywood too. That was one place I was prepared to hate, as a cynical 15 yr old lover of British New Wave, but completely enjoyed to my surprise. I love the old time mountain stuff so much.
Middle Tennessee(Nashville area)got some rain tonight, it wasn’t much but it was sorely needed. The grass in my city(Murfreesboro)has been making that cracking noise as you walk across it. Some one said it was so dry the pricky pears cactus were dieing out in the fields.
This is horrifying... One of my children lives near Huntsville, AL. Tonight they were getting rain for the first time in weeks. I sure hope this system gets to east Tennessee soon.
I live about an hour from the Smokies. This is the first year that the grass has turned brown in my yard, due to the lack of rain. Sevier County is far from the only county in Eastern TN which has been hit.
We got a little rain tonight, but the amount was far too small to help out.
I have been seeing pictures of these fires on FB from people in that area. It is devastating. People are being told to evacuate NOW. They do not want to put the firemen in any more danger. They are asking for prayers for them.
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