Video of folks evacuating Gatlinburg. Multiple sirens around the city. pic.twitter.com/S7g4PVW53z

— Kyle Grainger WVLT (@KyleGrainger) November 29, 2016

Here's a list of ways you can help #Gatlinburg fire crews and people displaced. wvlt t.co/Eu5M52vCgh

— Brittany Tarwater (@WVLTBrittany) November 29, 2016

Just interviewed a woman who recorded her escape from the flames. You can hear her crying and saying "oh no". She lost everything. wvlt pic.twitter.com/kS8j0WCc0H

— Amanda Hara (@AmandaHara) November 29, 2016

Volunteer TV Channel 8 is covering the story live.

(WVLT) -- A mandatory evacuation order was issued for downtown Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge residents and guests located in the areas between traffic light 8 and the Spur are under mandatory evacuation after TEMA issued a Level 3 State of Emergency with 30 structures on fire in Gatlinburg, including a 16-story hotel on Regan Drive, and the Driftwood Apartments near the Park Vista Hotel. The National Guard was mobilized to Sevier County.

TEMA reports that as of 8 a.m. Tuesday, 14,000 people evacuated Sevier County. There are 50 to 60 fire crews battling the fires, as well as 150 personnel from outside the area. Three people with severe burns were transferred from UT Medical to Vanderbilt Medical Center in Nashville overnight. A fourth person with burns to their face continues to be evaluated at UT Medical. Currently, there are no reports of fatalities.

In an update from TEMA Tuesday morning, the agency reported that about 100 homes in Sevier County are impacted by the fire, including 10 homes in Gatlinburg.

At this point, Sevier County reports 11,595 people without power. An estimated 1,300 people occupied six Red Cross or independently-operated shelters.

According to Pigeon Forge Fire Chief Tony Watson, there are multiple active fires in Pigeon Forge that crews are working to contain. Power outages continue in various areas of the city. In the city of Pigeon Forge, nine residential structures were destroyed by fire. Pigeon Forge officials say 125 people are displaced and remain in local emergency shelters.

Approximately 100 firefighters from 15 additional stations throughout East Tennessee are battling the blazes. More will join the effort later this morning.

Tennessee Emergency Management Association officials are currently on site in Pigeon Forge to support local officials.

Dollywood, the 19 cabins owned by Dollywood, and Dollywood's DreamMore Resort were evacuated. Dollywood officials say there is no fire damage at this time.

Ober Gatlinburg said, "Our property is okay. Please keep Sevier County in your thoughts and prayers! "

Three county school buses are available for emergency transport and are being dispatched as needed to transport those who need to evacuate. The following locations are open and ready to receive those who need shelter: LeConte Center at Pigeon Forge, 
Pigeon Forge Community Center, Liberty Baptist Church in Wears Valley, and 
Iglesia Cristiana LaDuz De Jesus. First Baptist Church in Sevierville has opened for evacuees.

Sevier County Schools, Cocke County Schools, Newport Grammar School, and Greene County Schools are closed for Tuesday.

The Tennessee Emergency Management Agency is asking Sevier County residents to stay off mobile devices unless it's for emergency calls.

According to Gatlinburg Building Inspector Mark Watson, Downtown Main Street and the Mountain Lodge are total losses. Watson said that Pi Beta Phi and Arrowmont are gone. He also reported that Greystone Heights is on fire.

Officials with the Great Smoky Mountains National Park issued an air quality advisory and closed the park Monday. According to an update from GSMNP Tuesday morning, park officials reported "widespread fire damage" and continued fire activity throughout the Gatlinburg area and much of Sevier County including Wears Valley, Pigeon Forge and Jones Cove.

Gatlinburg City officials reported numerous structures completely lost to fire including businesses in the downtown area and private homes throughout the area.

A representative with the park says the air quality is unhealthy for the Sevier County section of the park and adjacent areas, especially in the Gatlinburg area due to heavy smoke from the nearby Chimney 2 Fire. The Sevier County Humane Society said all animals are safe after an evacuation.

Investigators say the Chimney 2 fire started on November 23 on the north spire of the Chimney Tops. It was first reported at less than two acres and grew to eight acres by November 26. Spot fires spread outside the containment area Sunday due to 20 mph winds.

Chimney 2 fire officials have reports of people flying matches and say the fire was human-caused.

Students at the Pi Beta Phi Elementary School in Gatlinburg were moved to the Rocky Top Sports World Complex at 12:30 p.m. Monday as a precaution due to the air quality advisory.

People in the area were advised to refrain from strenuous or prolonged physical outdoor activities and limit exposure.

Newfound Gap Road, Cherokee Orchard Road, Elkmont Road, and several trails were closed Monday due to the Chimney 2 Fire.

Currently 80 people are working to fight the Chimney 2 fire. More crews are expected to arrive late Monday or early Tuesday.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park received notice of a fire 150 yards behind the Twin Creek Pavilion off Cherokee Orchard Road at 11:35 a.m. It is unknown if the fire is associated with the Chimney 2 fire. Gatlinburg Police Officers went door to door asking residents of the Mynatt Park neighborhood to voluntarily evacuate to the Red Cross Evacuation Shelter set up at the Gatlinburg Community Center at 156 Proffitt Road on Monday afternoon. Residents needing transportation to the shelter can call 865-436-5181 for assistance.

Conditions remain extremely dangerous and officials say to stay off the roadways throughout the area. Travel in the Gatlinburg area is limited to emergency traffic only.

At this time, officials have not determined the current size of the fire, the number of structures burned, or injuries.

In the wake of the wildfires raging through Sevier County that have already displaced more than 14,000 people, already several individuals and organizations have stepped in to plan fundraisers and donation drives.

Here is a current list of the ways you can help:

Sacred Heart Cathedral School is accepting donations for firefighters Tuesday. They ask for bottled beverages including water, Powerade, and Gatorade, as well as high-calorie, minimally-packaged food such as protein bars and candy, and gloves, lip balm, and wool socks. Items can be dropped off at the white box truck in front of the parish offices on the way to the school, located at 711 Northshore Drive. The school plans to deliver items to firefighters at noon Tuesday.

Star 102.1 is collecting water, clothing, food, and pet care donations at their station, located at 1533 Amherst Road.

Fox Feed Supply in Jefferson City will serve as a drop-off location for Paws & Claws Animal Rescue TN. They are collecting bottled water and other drinks, as well as packaged snacks for firefighters. Items can be dropped off at their store, located at 250 W. Old AJ Hwy, Jefferson City, TN 37760. For more information call or text Wendy at 423-312-7400.

Remote Area Medical is responding to the fires and says anyone is welcome to call them if they'd like to volunteer to help. Contact RAM at 865-579-2555.

Tom Giles is holding another Fuel Our Firefighters drive at High Places Church in Oak Ridge Tuesday from 1:00-5:00 p.m. The church is located at 123 Randolph Road.

Danielle Yancey is collecting donations, including drinks and small packaged snacks, at the Outreach Church in Oneida, from 8:30 a.m. until noon Tuesday. If someone is unable to drop off donated items, they can contact Danielle at 423-223-2615.

The Sevier Co. Rescue Squad is collecting water and Gatorade for firefighters at their location across from Sevier Co. High School.

The Blount Co. Chamber of Commerce and the Townsend Visitors Center are collecting items for displaced families and first responders. People can drop off items at the Chamber, located at 201 S. Washington Street in Maryville, or the Visitors Center at 7906 E. Lamar Alexander Pkwy. in Townsend. Needed items include water and Gatorade, canned or packaged food such as crackers and candy, pet food, blankets, diapers, jackets, and gloves and scarves. Donations will be accepted from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. For any questions, call 865-983-2241.

Another group will be collecting donations at the Kroger on Emory Road in Knoxville from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Tuesday; they will then take donated items to the mobile command center in Sevier County. They are asking for supplies including water, baby wipes, eye drops, lip balm, cotton socks, over-the-counter pain relievers like Tylenol and Advil, Gatorade, and packaged high-calorie snacks.

The Loudon County Sheriff's Office is accepting items to help firefighters and others displaced by the fires. Drop off Powerade, Gatorade, bottled water, snack bars and other easy-to-handle snacks at the LCSO/Justice Center. No monetary donations are being accepted.

Hard Knox Pizzeria in Knoxville is accepting donations of water and other beverages, canned and packaged food to take to the Red Cross. Donations can also be dropped off at other restaurants in Western Plaza, including Blackhorse Pub, Moe's, Runners Market, or Yassin's Falafel House downtown.

Twisted Mike's, located at 7125 Kingston Pike in Knoxville, is accepting donations of non-perishable food items and toys for children impacted by the fire all week. They will take donations to Sevier County on Friday.

The Ice Chalet at 100 Lebanon Street in Knoxville, is also collecting items for emergency crews and evacuees. They ask for donations of water or Gatorade, blankets, and protein bars, in exchange for a free public session pass. The business plans to collect donations every day until the need is past.

The Knoxville Chive is collecting the following items for fire victims: water, Gatorade, Pedialyte, basic toiletries, blankets, pillows, batteries, non-perishable food, baby food, diapers, stuffed animals, clothing, pet food, kennels, and oxygen and insulin. Follow their Facebook page to find out donation locations.

Recovery Strategies, located at 120 Centre Park Dr., Ste. 9, Knoxville, TN 37922, is collecting coats, water food, and personal items through Friday, after which point they will take donations to Sevierville. Recovery Strategies is open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Greenback Memorial Church, located at 292 TN-95 is another location taking donations of water, Gatorade, snacks, and hygiene items. No monetary donations are being accepted. Items can be donated in the Fellowship Hall and will be taken to Sevier Co. later this week. Contact Pastor Lon Shockley at 865-719-5717 for more information.

Regal Cinemas' Pinnacle at Turkey Creek will host a drop-off for the Red Cross. They are collecting bottled water and other beverages, toiletries, clothing, flashlights, batteries, walkers and canes, diapers and wipes, baby formula, non-perishable foods, protein bars, and pet supplies. Items can be dropped off all day Tuesday at the theater's parking lot. Pinnacle is located at 11240 Parkside Drive in Knoxville.

The Center for Leadership and Service on the University of Tennessee campus is also collecting donations, including snacks, bottled water, and toiletries, to donate to the Red Cross. They are located at 2238 Dunford Hall, or you can also drop items off at the Office of the Dean of Students at 413 Student Services Building. Call 865-974-1039 for more information. Any students affected by the fires can contact 865-974-3179 or email dos@utk.edu.

For those who would like to offer spiritual support, a prayer circle is planned for noon Tuesday on Market Square.

The Red Cross has asked for cash donations only for the time being. Text 90999 to make a $10 donation or click here to select a different amount.

Here are some people and organizations offering help to those who need it:

Mandy Tietjen runs an Airbnb in Fountain City and has offered clean beds and a hot breakfast for any evacuees. Contact Mandy on Facebook.

Several restaurants around East Tenn. are offering free meals to emergency personnel, including Old Dad's General Store & Deli on the Parkway in Gatlinburg, Hard Knox Pizzeria in Knoxville (contact Alexa Sponcia at 865-438-6500 for more information), Huck Finn's Catfish in Pigeon Forge, and Texas Roadhouse in Pigeon Forge.

Big Fatty's on Kingston Pike in Knoxville is offering free food to anyone affected by the fires.

Camp Montvale in Blount County is open for evacuees. The camp has several cabins available and can accept pets and horses. Camp Montvale is located at 4901 Montvale Road and you can contact Pam Wolf at 865-250-7420 or Marsha Sliker at 865-982-5225.

Brian Minton is also offering help evacuating horses, mules, and other livestock in the Gatlinburg area. Contact him at 865-388-6886 to arrange a pickup.

Wildwood Farm, located at 4902 Green Road in Maryville, is also offering assistance transporting and housing horses and other livestock. Contact Julie Maner at 865-256-9589.

The Shangri-La Therapeutic Academy of Riding is also offering housing to large animals. Contact them at 865-988-4711.

Curtis Barnard of First Choice Firewood & Tree Trimming is offering tree removal service to anyone affected by the fire. Contact him at 423-200-8600.

Phil Minor, executive manager at Fenton Nissan in Knoxville, says the car dealership has 40,000 square feet, enough room to house 80 evacuees, and enough bedding, food, and water for everyone. Retired Knoxville police officers offer around-the-clock security, and the dealership will pick up groups of up to 15. Contact 865-740-6749 or philip.minor@fentonmotors.com to arrange a pickup with at least 25 minutes notice.

Dr. Kelly Faris has offered up his three-bedroom rental cabin in Seymour for any evacuees needing a place to stay. He can house up to 10 people in the cabin. Contact him at 865-660-5369, or through VRBO.

The Tennessee Valley Coalition to End Homelessness hopes to offer more permanent solutions to people displaced by the fire by working with various organizations to help victims find new homes. Visit them on Facebook to learn more.



Updated: Thu 8:45 PM, Dec 01, 2016


(WVLT) -- The Tennessee Emergency Management Agency (TEMA) confirmed an additional fatality Thursday night due to Monday's wildfires in Sevier County, bringing the death toll to 11.

Sevier County officials said Thursday that 80 people were treated for injuries.

Officials said three people were found dead from fires in the Chalet Village area, and one person was discovered dead near a motel on Highway 321. Three more people were found dead on Campbell Lead Road. Authorities did not release details about the other fatalities.

Two others were rescued safely at Westgate Resorts and one person was rescued on Ski Mountain.

The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation said it has received 100 phone calls, since it established a hotline, 1-800-TBI-FIND, for people to call with reports of missing loved ones. Agents continue to follow 70 leads on missing persons but could not release an update on the Reed family at Thursday's 11 a.m. press conference.

Officials said more than 700 structures in the county were destroyed in the fires. 300 of then were destroyed in Gatlinburg. The forestry service said more than 17,108 acres were burned. 11,000 of them were reportedly inside the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Mayor Waters said all fires in the city and county are extinguished except for a few hot spots.

Officials said Zone 1 has been 80 percent searched, zone 2 has been 90 percent searched and zones 3 and 4 are still being investigated.

Fire officials confirm that 20 engines, 7 helicopters, 4 dozers, and more than 285 emergency workers have battled the fires for over 65 hours.

Roads in Sevier County will be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, giving property owners, renters, and business owners limited access. Authorities warned people to enter at their own risk due to downed powerlines and trees. The entry point for Gatlinburg access will be at East Parkway Highway 321.

We're the strongest community I've ever seen," said The Gatlinburg Mayor.

Authorities said a map of properties damaged by the fire will be on the Facebook page called "Chimney Tops 2 Fire" late Thursday.

This update comes after after a mandatory evacuation order was issued for downtown Gatlinburg residents and guests after TEMA issued a Level 3 State of Emergency with 70 homes in Wears Valley, 70 homes in Cobbly Nob, and 150 structures damaged or destroyed by fire in Sevier County, including a 16-story hotel on Regan Drive, and the Driftwood Apartments near the Park Vista Hotel. The mandatory emergency evacuation for Pigeon Forge was lifted Tuesday. The National Guard was mobilized to Sevier County.

TEMA reports that 14,000 people evacuated Sevier County Monday night. Officials say a boil alert is in effect for Gatlinburg city water. Gatlinburg's Tuesday night curfew continues into Thursday night from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m.

The City of Gatlinburg has also requested that customers conserve water as much as possible, since firefighting activities, combined with the water loss in burned structures, has placed a significant demand on the water resources of the city.

Gatlinburg Chief Miller told media outlets early Tuesday, "The worst is definitely over."

Dollywood, the 19 cabins owned by Dollywood, and Dollywood's DreamMore Resort were evacuated Monday evening. Dollywood officials say there is no fire damage at this time. The East Tennessee amusement park will reopen Friday. The Dolly Foundation announced plans to provide $1,000 a month for six months to families who lost their homes in the Sevier County fires.

Ober Gatlinburg said, "Our property is okay. Please keep Sevier County in your thoughts and prayers! "

Three county school buses are available for emergency transport and are being dispatched as needed to transport those who need to evacuate. The following locations are open and ready to receive those who need shelter: LeConte Center at Pigeon Forge, 
Pigeon Forge Community Center, Liberty Baptist Church in Wears Valley, and 
Iglesia Cristiana LaDuz De Jesus. First Baptist Church in Sevierville has opened for evacuees.

Sevier Co. Schools will be open Friday with the exception of Pi Beta Phi Elementary and Gatlinburg-Pittman High School. Cocke County Schools reopened Thursday except for Smoky Mountain Elementary, which will be closed for the remainder of the week. The school received damage to the library and gym. The roof has been blown off, according to assistant director of schools Casey Kelly. Officials announced that Pi Beta Phi Elementary had minor damage and smoke damage.

The Tennessee Emergency Management Agency is asking Sevier County residents to stay off mobile devices unless it's for emergency calls.

Officials with the Great Smoky Mountains National Park issued an air quality advisory and closed the park Monday. According to an update from GSMNP Tuesday morning, park officials reported "widespread fire damage" and continued fire activity throughout the Gatlinburg area and much of Sevier County including Wears Valley, Pigeon Forge and Jones Cove.

A representative with the park says the air quality is unhealthy for the Sevier County section of the park and adjacent areas, especially in the Gatlinburg area due to heavy smoke from the nearby Chimney 2 Fire. The Sevier County Humane Society said all animals are safe after an evacuation.

Investigators say the Chimney 2 fire started on November 23 on the north spire of the Chimney Tops. It was first reported at less than two acres and grew to eight acres by November 26. Spot fires spread outside the containment area Sunday due to 20 mph winds.

Chimney 2 fire officials have reports of people flying matches and say the fire was human-caused.

Students at the Pi Beta Phi Elementary School in Gatlinburg were moved to the Rocky Top Sports World Complex at 12:30 p.m. Monday as a precaution due to the air quality advisory.

People in the area were advised to refrain from strenuous or prolonged physical outdoor activities and limit exposure.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park received notice of a fire 150 yards behind the Twin Creek Pavilion off Cherokee Orchard Road at 11:35 a.m. Monday. It is unknown if the fire is associated with the Chimney 2 fire.

Conditions remain extremely dangerous and officials say to stay off the roadways throughout the area. Travel in the Gatlinburg area is limited to emergency traffic only.