Parkside Resort is located in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee Credit: Parkside Resort/Facebook. PIGEON FORGE, Tenn. (WVLT) - Dozens of Sevier County residents faced uncertainty Wednesday night as a raging wildfire came through the area. WebWildfires in the Tennessee resort towns of Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge have killed at He clarified that officials tried to reopen Wears Valley Road Thursday, but had to close it again due to hotspots. All manpower and resources from the Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge Fire departments were used to stop the blaze. Live Update (4:16 p.m.): WVLT News spoke with the Sevier County Assistant for Governmental Affairs Perrin Anderson said the number of The fast-moving brush fire quickly grew to 30 to 40 acres and prompted ET Thursday fire officials said the Hatcher Mountain/Indigo Lane fire was 3,700 acres and approximately 100 structures had been affected the same numbers distributed in the 10 a.m. briefing. The fire was 30 to 40 acres and was 100% contained by Friday afternoon. Firefighters from across East Tennessee are on the scene of a major wildfire in Sevier County as it continues to grow. In addition to local fire departments, resources have responded from 70 agencies in Middle and Upper East Tennessee as well as the Tennessee National Guard and the U.S. Forest Service. The Pigeon Forge Community Center and Seymour Heights Christian Church are still functioning as shelters, Mayor Waters said, providing places to stay and food for those in need. Residents told WBIR they noticed smoke that appeared to resemble a chimney fire in the area. Tony Ogle, a spokesperson for Sevier County Schools, said that Wearwood Elementary School evacuated its students to the Pigeon Forge Community Center due to the wildfires. Volunteers from around the world calmed the fears of victims as they donated millions of dollars to the relief fund. Enter your email address to subscribe and receive notifications of new articles by email. An evacuation was ordered for anyone within two miles from Parkside Resort in Pigeon Forge due to a fast-moving brush fire, according to officials with the Sevier County Dispatch. 2. Dozens of people gathered Wednesday afternoon ona nearby highway, anxiously assessing the status of a fire that erupted in the Wears Valley community. Five firefighting vehicles have been damaged. Very little current information is available about this fire. Bruce Miller with Tennessee Forestry also gave an update. Michael Reed is suing on behalf of his wife, Constance Reed, 34, and their two daughters, Chloe Reed, 12, and Lily Reed, 9. A fire destroyed a business and damaged others nearby Monday On Thursday, things expect to be different. A Warner Bros. By and large nighttime fires calm down and dont move much, but tonight we are going to have winds that will be a concern.. Responders have confirmed to WVLT News that the wildfire in Sevier County has grown to 1,000 acres and affected 35 structures. The second video shows fire crews working to save cabins in Sevier County as flames creep closer. However, due to the extreme nature of the wind continued to be a problem for the area. The fire also grew to around 3,700 acres, affecting over 100 structures and even five fire agency vehicles, Waters said. Robert Goodhue told the newspaper, It was surreal. He continued, I could see the smoke coming off of Waldens Creek back there, and I was like, Thats coming from where I live. One could only imagine how terrifying it must have been for Goodhue. Eleven plaintiffs are suing the National Park Service, and the cases are broken down into two phases. Over 200 people and 70 agencies have been involved in the firefighting efforts, according to Waters. All rights reserved. But we will be back tomorrow and monitoring that closely, but well be back up here tomorrow at 10 oclock tomorrow but as long as this rain keeps falling we might be able to get a little sleep tonight.. Earlier, authorities had evacuated more homes as high winds fanned the wildfire and caused problems for helicopters sent in to help fight the flames. Duran said the actions of a fire crew who took the time to rescue his American flag and Air Force banner were "a light at the end of the tunnel" for him as he assessedthe damageto his retreat in Shagbark Resort. Responders said that one crew of firefighters had to abandon their vehicles and move back into already-burned areas as the fire approached Wednesday night. They will reopen once it is safe to do so. TEMA did not send out a mass evacuation alert because it said it did not have a preset message to accurately describe the situation. About 150 people were evacuated Sunday and the American Red Cross opened a shelter at the Pigeon Forge Community Center. Hotels are also allowing residents to stay for free, Flener said. Please refrain from bringing items to any locations at this time. Map: In light of Smokies fire in Wears Valley, track wildfires in Tennessee Highway 321, Wears Valley Road, was closed to traffic from Townsend to Pigeon Forge due to the fire. The blaze is being pushed by strong winds. At 5:15 p.m. The Sevier County Emergency Management Agency said fire officials advised that they now have 45% of the fire contained. It was surreal, Goodhue told the KnoxvilleNews Sentinel, part of the USA TODAY Network. Massive mutual aid response via TN Mutual Aid Systen. Our new Privacy Policy will go into effect on January 1st, 2023. Local, state, and federal firefighting assets and personnel deployed to a Sevier County wildfire thats consumed more than 1,000 acres and resulted in the evacuation of more than 500 people. Despite these challenges, we sent police fire and mass transit to evacuate citizens and visitors, said Miller. Wednesday morning Sevier Countys residents received a message telling them to report to the Pigeon Forge Community Center after evacuating their homes, but only late that night did EMA officials classify it as a shelter. Instead, officials referred to the center as an evacuation center.. Two helicopters left McGhee Tyson Air National Base with Bambi Buckets around 8 a.m., Director of Joint Public Affairs Darrin Haas said. 2023 Cable News Network. It has been a brutal 24 hours in Pigeon Forge, TN. We are confident we have this fire in good check, he said. WVLT News received two videos of firefighters battling the Hatcher Mountain Fire Friday afternoon. They were staying in Chalet Village on Crooked Ridge Road. Flames destroyed nearly 2,500 homes and left an estimated $2 billion in damages. As of just after 9pm local time, WATE reports the fire is 45% under control. Multiple agencies responded to a large brush fire Wednesday morning that was threatening homes in the area. WebArmy helicopters were called in to drop water on the flames as a state of emergency was declared in the city of Pigeon Forge. That evening, wind gusts of up to 87 mph sent embers flying into Gatlinburg, wreaking havoc on the city and surrounding communities. There is no indication that there is any criminal aspect to the fire, Waters said. PIGEON FORGE, Tenn. (WATE) Have a phone thats charged and on and listen to the media.. Besides the well-being of homeowners and dwellings in the tourist Great Smoky Mountains destination, the biggest worries are clusters of fallen trees. If you are in need of shelter please come to 202 Smothers Road, Seymour, TN. Crews with the Pigeon Forge Fire Department were prepared to stay out all night to make sure the fire was contained with about 50 firefighters working the fire. Waters did not have an update on the civilians condition. Officials with the City of Gatlinburg and Sevier County released heartbreaking 911 calls made prior to and during the deadly wildfires. Pigeon Forge, in eastern Tennessee, is best known for singer Dolly Partons theme park, Dollywood, which was not affected by the fire. The Kings Academy at 202 Smothers Road, Seymour, TN, is open as a shelter for those evacuating. Multiple agencies responded to a large brush fire in the Wears Valley community Wednesday morning, according to the Sevier County Fire Department and the Tennessee Division of Forestry. Officials with the Pigeon Forge Police Department said no traffic will be able to travel into Wears Valley from Pigeon Forge until further notice. The injured person was reportedly taken to the University of Tennessee Medical Center via airlift. Officials updated yesterdays estimate of 2,675 acres burned to 2,498 acres. Nighttime, we can usually get a good handle on containing the fire, putting it in a place to where we can bump crews out for the evening so they can get sleep, Smith said. 2. Sevier County EMA officials released an interactive map for those in the area. Sevier County Mayor Larry Waters spoke to WVLT News about the situation Wednesday afternoon, saying officials are doing their best to stay ahead of fires, monitor conditions and issue evacuations when needed. The U.S. Government through its employees, failed to follow mandatory regulations to monitor and extinguish a fire in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, thereby allowing it to spread beyond the park boundaries onto claimants private property, destroying their property and resulting in the death of his wife Constance and their daughters Chloe and Lily, court documents read. The buckets allow helicopters to transport hundreds of gallons of water from local sources to the site of the fire where needed. Firefighting continues, the park reported, adding conditions throughout the park continue to be dry with an enhanced risk for wildfires. But we will be back tomorrow and monitoring that closely, but well be back up here tomorrow at 10 oclock tomorrow but as long as this rain keeps falling we might be able to get a little sleep tonight.. Knoxville Fire Department officials told WVLT News just after 8 p.m. that they deployed four units to Wears Valley to assist in fighting the fires, according to Knoxville Police Department Assistant Chief Mark Wilbanks. The fire spread rapidly and widely because of wind gusts that blew up to 87 mph on Monday night, according to Miller. Forestry officials announced early Thursday morning that responders would be holding a press conference around 10 a.m. That event will be streamed live here and on the WVLT Facebook page. Hikers are advised to avoid hiking during this time period across the park, particularly in areas with standing dead trees.". Sevier County Mayor Larry Waters opened the conference by thanking the first responders that flocked to the area to help fight the fires that began Wednesday morning. Crews with the Pigeon Forge Fire Department were prepared to stay out all night to make sure the fire was contained with about 50 firefighters working the fire. We have personnel going door to door, he said. "As the fire breaks those containment lines, we are pulling back and readjusting, and putting in new lines. A helicopter collects water from pond to drop on a wildfire in Wears Valley on Wednesday, March 30, 2022. Goodhue said the state trooper told him the neighborhood was being evacuated. Hatcher Mountain Wildfire 100% contained, number of structures lowered due to duplicate counts. Heavy rains doused most of a wildfire that had damaged more than 35 buildings near the Tennessee resort town of Pigeon Forge, allowing authorities Monday to take firefighters off the line. The crew landed the helicopter in a soccer field near Line Springs Road, officials said. The next day, Puckett called Duran. Wind-fueled wildfires swept across Sevier County in 2016 claiming lives, homes and livelihoods forever changing the landscape of Gatlinburg and the Smokies. Officials added more addresses to the mandatory evacuation order for the Hatcher Mountain Fire. The fire is known as the Hatcher Mountain Road/Indigo Lane Fire according to the Emergency Management department. -Certification as a TN Fire Inspector I or ability to obtain within one (1) year of employment. It was 30% contained as of Thursday afternoon, officials said. The shelter was open to families and pets. The blaze prompted evacuations and closings. What we do is we evaluate active fires, hotspots, Miller said. We know they are anxious, we are trying to get everything under control as quick as they can.. The high winds knocked down power lines and started other fires, hindering communication to order mandatory evacuations. The website (mountaintough.org) manages information and donations. Two firefighters suffered minor injuries, Waters said, in addition to a civilian who was injured when the fire overcame him while he was working on a bulldozer. WVLT News spoke with Sevier Co. officials, who confirmed the fire was still 45% contained as of 4:08 p.m. Friday. CNN Sans & 2016 Cable News Network. HWY 321 from Waldens Creek to Valley View, Tennessee National Guard members were sent to help with the Sevier County fire, A helicopter dropping water on the wildfire in Sevier County, TDOT officials drive as the Sevier County wildfire nears US 321 Wednesday night. More: https://bit.ly/38btpE5. It has been a brutal 24 hours in Pigeon Forge, TN. The buckets suspend from the helicopter and contain valves on the bottom the crew can use to dispense water. Tennessee officials declared an emergency and sent in the National Guard Red Cross officials confirmed the Pigeon Forge Community Center shelter will close at 2 p.m. Sunday. Its made a difference in lives saved, its made a difference in property saved, he said. Clemmons spent lodging money on a cabin for the trip, which ended up in the evacuation zone. Officials said they would be releasing a revised fire evacuation area. Officials identified Robert A. Hejny, 63, who was found at Travelers Motel in Gatlinburg. A schedule can be found below. Two helicopters moved overhead to dumpwater near several burning homes on the hillsideafter high winds and dry conditions sparked a brush fire and promptedan evacuation order for thearea. As of 4:30 p.m., forestry officials also reported one resident was injured and was airlifted out of the area to the University of Tennessee Medical Center. Hudson said asschools closed due to the evacuations, children were bused to the evacuation center so parents could pick them up. The Tennessee Military Department told WVLT News that the national guard was on standby to fly two UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters over the fire if needed. )Please call 911 for EMERGENCIES ONLY. During this time, Constance observed flames coming from a house across the street. If you are in the Wears Valley or Walden's Creek areas please evacuate immediately. PIGEON FORGE, Tenn. (WVLT) - An evacuation was ordered for residents in Pigeon Forge Thursday following a fast-moving brush fire that officials are calling the Pine Mountain Fire and has since been lifted. They said people in the Hatcher Mountain, Shagbark Resort and Little Valley Mountain Resort should evacuate immediately. Watch as a helicopter collects water from pond to drop on a wildfire in Wears Valley. The Dupont fire startedMarch 31, burned nearly 1,000 acres and was fully contained a week later. ", Things can be replaced, people cant, he said. We hope that everyone has a good spring break, officials said. Resident Robert Goodhue was turned around mid-afternoon by a state trooperas he was driving towards his home. Typos, let us know HERE, and specify which article. Live: Officials give an update on Wears Valley wildfire. I know there are some folks who have been affected, and I hope that you will join me in saying a prayer for them, Parton said. Seymour Heights Christian Church, located at 122 Boyds Creek Highway, is opening its doors to anyone displaced by the fire. The wildfires touched over 1,000 acres. Evacuations are in effect. All Rights Reserved. Dozens of Sevier County residents faced uncertainty Wednesday night as a raging wildfire stormed through the area. A small crew remained in the area to monitor hot spots, the station said. He also told WVLT News that buses are en route to Pigeon Forge Primary, Intermediate, Junior High and High School to dismiss students. We were trying to stay here because the alert said it was a shelter, but when we got here they were saying no.. Twin brothers Beau and Zackary MacLellan lost their home and their jobs to the fire. KFD will remain throughout the night, and likely into Saturday. At least 35 buildings were burned Wednesday, and one person was airlifted to UT Medical Center, said Sevier County spokesman Perrin Anderson. On Nov. 23, 2016 a fire started on the Chimney Tops Mountains and five days later, it had reached the city of Gatlinburg. Authorities would later announce the fire was sparked by juveniles playing with matches and fueled by unusually high winds. Severe weather poses statewide threat of strong straight-line winds, severe thunderstorms, and tornadic activity. The Sevier County Fairgrounds will open Friday to receive donations as well. TEMA hasnt determined the cause of the fire. The wildfires touched over 1,000 acres. Less than 1/10 inch of rain fell at that station and another at Pigeon Forge. It was a bad combination for the area on Wednesday. #WearsValleyFire.. Este hotel fica a 8,7 km de Dollywood e a 1 km de Island at Pigeon Forge.Sinta-se em casa em um de nossos 112 quartos com geladeiras e micro-ondas. The Kings Academy is open as a shelter for those evacuating due to local fires. I'm just really hoping everybody came off the mountain.. PIGEON FORGE, Tenn. (WVLT) - An evacuation was ordered for He also contrasted this weeks event to the Gatlinburg fires of 2016, saying that officials and residents had learned valuable lessons on how to react to fires. What you need to know as crews continue to fight a wildfire in Sevier Co. More: https://bit.ly/3IQcELz. The wind is making this fire very hard to manage.. Highway 321, Wears Valley Road, was closed to traffic from Townsend to Pigeon Forge due to the fire. Officials said that several agencies responded to Cold Creek Resort around 10 p.m. Tuesday after a fire started in the laundry room. https://bit.ly/3NyWklV. If they catch fire,Tennessee Division of Forestry spokesperson Brook Smith said, the rain can't do much to stop it. pic.twitter.com/VU3I6B4zLs. Did you encounter any technical issues? Elaine Brown, 81, died after she sustained a medical event that caused a multi-vehicle accident on Wears Valley Road while fleeing the fire. This means the fire is more unaccusable. Due to The Hatcher Mountain Fire has impacted 100 structures and 3,700 acres, not including spot fires across the county. As of Saturday morning, the Hatcher Mountain Wildfire had affected more than 300 structures and remained at 85% containment, according to a release by officials. At about 6 p.m. the department said it had burned approximately 250 acres. 2022 fires:Lessons learned from 2016 Gatlinburg wildfire likely saved lives, Tourism:Smokies fire comes at 'one of the worst times' for business owners, Map:In light of Smokies fire in Wears Valley, track wildfires in Tennessee. Part of it is in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The cause of the structure and brush fire were not known as of Thursday night, according to deputies. "I'm very grateful to them for honoring the flag and honoring me as well.". Wears Valley Road is still closed from Waldens Creek to Valley View. Sevier County Fire Chief David Puckett said he was grateful for every responders response and hard work. She told the dispatcher, The fire is next door to my house My husband is not home. While heading to his cabin, Duranstopped along the way to talk to Sevier County Fire Administrator David Puckett. While there between 7:30 p.m. and 8 p.m., they encountered a few park rangers, one of whom told them to go to Pigeon Forge, according to court documents. Im especially proud of the brave men and women who are working to contain the fire, the singer wrote. Those in the Sevier County area can get the lasted information through the WVLT News app or from officials through Sevier County alerts, which come to cell phones automatically. PIGEON FORGE, Tenn. (WVLT) - An evacuation was ordered for residents in Pigeon Forge Thursday following a fast-moving brush fire that officials are calling the Pine Mountain Fire and has since been lifted. Fire personnel from all over the state have poured in to assist, Waters said, thanking fire and forestry crews who have been working to extinguish the blaze. It looks like somebody just went through there and just dropped a bomb on the place, Shannon McCostlin told WATE. According to the update, the fire has been 30% contained as responders drop water from helicopters. Posted: Mar 2, 2023 / 06:41 AM EST. While the fire was put out, several people are now without The chopper dropping water had to be grounded. PIGEON FORGE, Tenn. (WVLT) - An evacuation was ordered for A siren alarm system was used to evacuate the Gatlinburg area, but it is uncertain what time the sirens started, and some residents told WVLT News they never heard them. An evacuation was ordered for anyone within two miles from Parkside Resort in Pigeon Forge due to a fast-moving brush fire, according to officials with the Sevier County Dispatch. https://bit.ly/3u1KXel. Well thankfully a church has got us a hotel room located for the night, Chris Clemmons said. A fire at Pigeon Forge has been contained. Copyright 2022 WVLT. The fire was 30 to 40 acres and was 100% contained by Friday afternoon. No number of firefighters could have stopped the fire in such wind conditions, Great Smoky Mountain National Park Deputy Superintendent Clay Jordan told WVLT News in 2016. A wildfire burns in Sevier County, Tennessee, on Wednesday. Mayor Waters also said he would provide media with updates later in the afternoon, which WVLT will relay through the WVLT News App live. We were so caught off guard. Please pray for those personnel and ALL the personnel working hard to extinguish this wildfire, officials said. While Wears Valley Road has reopened, several roads remain closed due to hotspots and for first responders to continue work. Waters also said that two firefighters suffered minor injures and were treated at the scene. Anyone in the affected area should use caution as emergency crews continue to work. He also said he believed that his department would be able to turn over control of the Hatcher Mountain fire to local responders in the next 24-48 hours. PIGEON FORGE, Tenn. (WVLT) - More than 100 people were displaced after an apartment fire in Pigeon Forge, according to Sevier County dispatch. There are no reports of fatalities or missing people as a result of the blaze, Waters said, calling the news answered prayers.. "Fire at the Red Roof Mall in Pigeon Forge. " WVLT News spoke to Assistant Sevier County Mayor for Governmental Affairs Perrin Anderson, who confirmed that the Hatcher Mountain Wildfire is now 80% contained. The Sevier County Emergency Management said at about 3:10 p.m. Thursday that the evacuation area would be reduced shortly.