Hearing about the devastating wildfires that traveled throughout Gatlinburg, Sevierville, and Pigeon Forge, destroying nearly everything in its path broke many of our hearts.
Gatlinburg, well known for the amazing, breath-taking scenery and countless hours of family fun, is left to be nothing but a "ghost town." The start of these numerous wildfires is said to be "man-made," caused by the wind blowing flames from chimney tops, exacerbated by a historic drought. With the death toll moving up to at least 7, this has left many devastated. Approximately 15,000 acres in Tennessee were taken over by the wildfires. Numerous cabins, camping grounds, attractions, and acres of breath-taking forest were completely burned to the ground. The number of people missing has not yet been clarified.
“This is a fire for the history books,” Miller said Tuesday. “The likes of this has never been seen here. But the worst is definitely over with.”
In efforts to turn around and find relief in the pounds of rubble and thick smoke covering the area, Dollywood has announced they will be donating $1,000 a month for 6 months to each family who tragically lost their homes. Red Cross is doing everything they can to shelter the numerous people that are currently homeless along with the help of the National Guard. Gatlinburg is accepting any donations to help restore what was taken away from the innocent families. Also, we owe a huge thank you to the nearly 4,000 firefighters and forest commissioners who did everything in their power to save as much as they could of Gatlinburg.
Prayers go out to Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, Sevierville, and numerous other affected areas as they rebuild these beautiful landmarks. Also, keep the families that had to give up their homes to the vicious wildfires in your prayers.
Gatlinburg encourages people that have already planned a trip to visit to still follow through with their plans. It is said there is plenty that didn't get destroyed, and without the help of tourism, they cannot do it! They expect to be completely done with basic cleanup within 2 weeks.
“We’re going to be okay,” Gatlinburg Mayor Mike Werner reassured locals repeatedly throughout a news conference Wednesday.
This page from The Bible was found amongst the burnt wreckage in Gatlinburg.
