Seven people are confirmed dead as wildfires continue to burn and have sent thousands evacuating from Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge in East Tennessee. Winds gusting at more than 90 mph caused the fires to burn from the Great Smoky Mountains National park into the towns, causing residents as well as tourists to scramble Monday night (November 28) and early Tuesday to try and outrun the blaze.
Lifestyle
Wildfires Cause Chaos in East Tennessee
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Photo: WDBJ7.com
Included in the evacuation were the Dollywood staff, taking measures to try and protect their attraction from the flames and leaving 19 of its rental cabins.
In an official statement, Dolly Parton identified, “I have been watching the terrible fires in the Great Smoky Mountains and I am heartbroken. I am praying for all the families affected by the fire and the firefighters who are working so hard to keep everyone safe. It is a blessing that my Dollywood theme park, the DreamMore Resort and so many businesses in Pigeon Forge have been spared.”
Photo: Herald-Review.com
Moving fast and erratic, the blaze called for an unprecedented mandatory evacuation of the area. Officials in Sevier County (which has an approximate population of 100,000) asked residents to remain alert. To date, over 14,000 people have been displaced and emergency crews continue to treat dozens for burns but county officials provided a death toll update of seven this afternoon. Three people with severe burns were taken to Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville. A Vanderbilt official has identified that those patients were in critical but stable condition as of Tuesday afternoon.
Photo: Fox News
Early estimates identify a loss of more than 700 businesses and homes, including 300 within the limits of Gatlinburg itself. To donate to the Red Cross for disaster relief text REDCROSS to 90999. By text, you’ll be charged a $10 donation. You can also make monetary donations directly on their website.
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