Smoky Mountain Wildfire Relief Effort Continues | Gatlinburg & National Park Re-Open on December 9, 2016

As the Great Smoky Mountains wildfire relief effort continues, we wanted to give everyone a progress update and let you know of some current needs as of December 8, 2016. We are happy to announce the following areas will re-open to the public on Friday, December 9th: City of Gatlinburg, The Spur, Gatlinburg By-pass, Sugarlands Visitor Center, Newfound Gap Road, Little River Road.

Smoky Mountain Wildfire Relief Effort Continues | Gatlinburg & National Park Re-Open December 9, 2016

We cannot begin to express our gratitude for the many folks who’ve come to the aid and rescue of Sevier County, TN and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Firefighters, families, and good people from across the country have made an everlasting impact on the people who live and work here.

Local Rotary Clubs have joined forces and are now managing the two Pigeon Forge Distribution Centers and In-Kind Donations. The Distribution Center at Boyd’s Bears is at capacity and no longer taking donations. Donations (small pick-up trucks or less) can be made at the former Smoky Mountain Jubilee Theater located at 2115 Parkway in Pigeon Forge. The Smoky Mountain Jubilee Donation Center is open 7 days a week from 8:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m. Please note that the donation center is not accepting any more used clothing or bottled water. What is still needed is NEW CLOTHING: winter coats of all sizes, warm gloves for all ages and sizes, athletic shoes in all sizes, men’s work boots in all sizes, men’s underwear in Large, XL, XXL, and men’s and ladies’ work gloves along with duffle bags, and suitcases.

Other needs are personal hygiene items, OTC cold medicines,  laundry detergent, non-perishable food items, paper bowls, plastic wear, can openers, scissors, school supplies, brooms, mops and buckets, rakes and shovels, and water hoses. Food items needed are flour, sugar, cereal, and instant coffee and creamer. The donation centers/shelters are serving about 3,000 people a day.

By the Numbers Update

  • 2,460 structures have been destroyed or damaged in the wildfires; 191 injuries and illnesses; 14 confirmed fatalities.
  • 406 members of the Type 1 Federal Incident Management Team are still fighting the Chimney Top 2 Fire. This includes 8 crews, 34 engines, 3 helicopters, and 1 dozer. The Chimney Top 2 Fire is estimated at 82% containment. The Cobbly Nob Fire is estimated at 89% containment. The Incident Management Team remains confident that their containment lines are very secure in all areas near homes and businesses.
  • 2 teenagers from Tennessee, but not Sevier County, have been charged with aggravated arson for the Chimney Top 2 Fire. The public responding to the National Park’s tip line was crucial in making the arrest. The investigation is still active and ongoing according to the Tennessee Bureau of  Investigation.

Sevier County government agencies have organized a website, www.mountaintough.org to provide up-to-date information on a variety of topics related to the recent wildfires. They’ve also set up the call center hotline, East Tennessee 211, to connect local residents with a full-range of community services and agencies of United Way. The call center is open Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. EST. Those outside the local area may each the call center at 865-215-4211.

10 Ways You Can Donate To Smoky Mountains Wildfire Relief Efforts

We’ve been asked by friends from near and far how they can help, so we’ve compiled a list of 10 Ways You Can Donate to Smoky Mountains Wildfire Relief Efforts. The outpouring of love and generosity has been overwhelming during this past week of crisis on the Tennessee side of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

10 Ways You Can Donate to Smoky Mountain Wildfire Relief EffortsCountless wonderful folks from across the country have volunteered, made donations, and prayed hard for the people here in the Great Smoky Mountains. Mere words cannot express the gratitude of the citizens of Sevier County, TN to each and every one of you. HeySmokies is confident the donations to these organizations listed below will remain in the local community and with those in need.

1. SEVIER COUNTY DISASTER RECOVERY VOLUNTEER RECEPTION  CENTER  by VOLUNTEER EAST TENNESSEE 
All volunteer rebuilding efforts, long-term and short-term, are being coordinated through the non-profit Volunteer East Tennessee. Any person or group coming locally or nationally will need to visit the Sevier County Disaster Recovery Volunteer Reception Center located at 1304 Parkway in Sevierville (old theater building at intersection of Cate Road and Parkway). The center is open 7 days a week from 8:00 a.m. until 9:00 p.m. Walk-in volunteers are welcome. The center needs about 800 volunteers each day over the next three days to help assist with warehousing because the county had been overwhelmed with donations. Even more volunteers will be needed when the City of Gatlinburg reopens on Friday. The national non-profit, All Hands will be leading cleanup teams beginning Friday, December 9, 2016. Those wishing to help in rebuilding efforts, please visit www.volunteerETN.org to sign up for a volunteer shift.

2. MY PEOPLE FUND by THE DOLLYWOOD COMPANY & THE DOLLYWOOD FOUNDATION
This fund was established by Dolly Parton and her partners to assist Sevier County families who’ve lost their homes in the wildfires. The My People Fund will provide $1,000 each month for up to six months to help these families recover and rebuild their lives. Currently, Dolly Parton’s global popularity has raised over $1 million for the fund; however, as Dolly says she likes to dream big and this is a big dream and they still need your help. Contributions to the My People Fund can be made at dollywoodfoundation.org.

3. GATLINBURG RELIEF FUND by GATLINBURG CHAMBER OF COMMERCE FOUNDATION
This fund will directly benefit families and businesses affected by the wildfire event. The Gatlinburg Relief Fund is being managed by SmartBank, a community bank based in East Tennessee. Donations can be made online at www.SmartBank.com. Donations may also be mailed to: Gatlinburg Relief Fund c/o SmartBank, P.O. Box 1910, Pigeon Forge, TN 37868-1910. Checks should be made payable to “Gatlinburg Relief Fund.”

4. SEVIER COUNTY FIRE RELIEF FUND by CITIZENS NATIONAL BANK
This fund is managed by another local, community bank to benefit citizens of Sevier County in the wake of the wildfire tragedy. Donations can be mailed to Citizens National Bank c/o Sevier County Fire Relief Fund, 200 Forks of the River Parkway, Sevierville, TN 37862. Please make checks payable to “Sevier County Fire Relief Fund. The bank is currently capable of taking online donations.

5. IN-KIND DONATIONS TO THE PIGEON FORGE DISTRIBUTION CENTER
The Pigeon Forge Distribution Center is located at 149 Cates Lane; it’s the former site of Boyds Bear Country. The distribution facility has been overwhelmed by the generosity of donations and at this time asks for specifically needed items since the three-story facility is near capacity. Items that are currently needed are: peanut butter, newborn formula, breast-feeding supplies, new underwear, new socks, gas cards, and gift cards. Some items are expensive to replace such as medications and baby items, so gift cards allow the recipient to purchase their most-needed personal items.  Please call 865-804-1658 to schedule a delivery to the center. Deliveries of water can be scheduled at 865-368-9013. To volunteer at the Pigeon Forge Distribution Center, visit VolunteerTN.org.

6. FIRE RESCUE HOPE CHALLENGE by SMOKY MOUNTAIN AREA RESCUE MINISTRIES (SMARM)
Smoky Mountain Area Rescue Ministries and a very generous Sevier County family have issued a $30,000 matching funds challenge to help raise money for those displaced by the recent wildfire tragedy. SMARM is known and loved by locals for their good works like providing short-term housing, utility assistance, transportation, food and clothing to individuals and families in need. Additionally, they provide mentoring and permanent housing resources to help families move from crisis to stability. Donations to the Fire Rescue Hope Challenge can be made at www.SMARM.org.

7. SEVIER COUNTY FOOD MINISTRIES FOOD PANTRY
Sevier County Food Ministries can serve 300 to 600 families on any given day. During a crisis or bad weather those numbers grow. Sevier County Food Ministries is another beloved, local organization who works miracles every day and can always use your help. It’s worth noting that many families in Sevier County affected by the wildfires are not property owners. Many are renters with no renter’s insurance working hourly jobs in the service industry. The need for these citizens will be great in the coming months and they will likely utilize this food pantry more than ever. For donations, please visit www.seviercountyfoodministries.org.

8. SEVIER COUNTY HUMANE SOCIETY FIRE RELIEF FUND 
The Sevier County Humane Society had to evacuate their facility and have been temporarily set up at the Sevier County Fairgrounds in Sevierville this past week. All while taking care of injured and lost animals affected by the wildfire and trying to reunite pets with owners. Donate to the Sevier County Humane Society Fire Relief Fund by visiting hwww.youcaring.com/seviercountyhumanesociety.

9. FRIENDS OF THE SMOKIES
Great Smoky Mountains National Park (GSMNP) is the most visited park in the nation with 10 million visitors annually. Unlike other national parks, it does not have an entrance fee; it’s free for all to enjoy. Friends of the Smokies provides an important role in making up the difference for those lost funds and raises money for critical projects and programs including wildlife management, historic preservation, and the Parks as Classrooms Programs. Friends of the Smokies gives more than $1 million a year to the park. Donations during this time will go towards immediate emergency relief efforts. Donation can be made online at www.friendsofhesmokies.org or call 865-932-4794 or mail to: Friends of the Smokies, P.O. Box 1660, Kodak, TN 37764.

10. SANTA FUND DISASTER ASSISTANCE by THE MOUNTAIN PRESS NEWSPAPER
The Santa Fund in years past has been used to give local senior citizens and local Boys & Girls Clubs a merrier Christmas; however this year, it’s been expanded to include those who’ve lost their primary residence or who are out of work as a result of the recent wildfires. The Santa Fund is managed by the Douglas Cherokee Economic Authority who is responsible for distributing the donations. Donations can be mailed to: The Mountain Press c/o Santa Fund Disaster Assistance, 119 Riverbend Drive, Sevierville, TN 37876. Please make checks payable to “Santa Fund Disaster Assistance.”

AND ONE MORE WAY TO HELP – COME VISIT!
Many areas were unharmed by wildfires and we still need you to come visit and support our businesses. Pigeon Forge, Sevierville, Townsend, Cosby…they’re all waiting for you! Our local economy is completely based on tourism, so if you’re not here, we’re not working…and we want to see all of your smiling faces having fun in our beautiful neck of the woods!

The Tennessee Secretary of State’s Office advises donors to be diligent and smart about contributions so that recovery efforts may be maximized. The Tennessee Secretary of State’s office offers a website to look up information about various charities and solicitors at sos.tn.gov/charitable. You may also call the Tennessee Secretary of State office at 800-861-7393 or 615-741-2555.

National Park Service Seeks Information from Hikers on Chimney Tops Trail the Day Before Thanksgiving

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park issued a press release on Friday, December 2, 2016 requesting information from hikers on the Chimney Tops Trail the day before Thanksgiving Wednesday, November 23, 2016. Officials continue to investigate the origin of the Chimney Tops 2 Fire and are asking for the public’s help in gathering important information.

National Park Service Seek Information from HIkers on Chimney Tops Trail

The iconic Chimney Tops as seen this past Spring 2016.

It was a busy time during the Thanksgiving holiday; however,  if you or someone you know hiked the Chimney Tops Trail on Wednesday, November 23, please contact officials on the investigative team. Just by answering a few questions, you may can provide valuable information. Call the Tip Line at 888-653-0009, send an email to the Tip Line at nps_isb@nps.gov, send a tweet to @SpecialAgentNPS, or fill out an online tip form at www.surveymonkey.com/r/TipLine_InvestigativeServicesNPS.

If you were hiking the Chimneys during the Thanksgiving holiday, please know any information is good information for them to piece together a timeline of events thus ensuring safety for any future wildfire events.

Great Smoky Mountains Wildfire Aftermath Day 4 | Update for December 2, 2016

December 2, 2016 – Property owners, renters and vacationers are allowed for the first time today to go see for themselves the damage from Monday’s firestorm that swept through Gatlinburg and Sevier County, TN.  The reality of this past week’s tragic events is just beginning to settle in for a lot of folks who love the Great Smoky Mountains enough to make their lives here. We offer this update from various local reports and press conferences held in Gatlinburg today.

Great Smoky Mountains Wildfire Aftermath Day 4

Firefighters from Gallatin, TN were among many who came to the rescue. Shown here with the remains of the Gatlinburg Welcome Sign. (Photo via Facebook) Thank you!

Great Smoky Mountains Wildfire Reality Check for December 2, 2016

  • Nearly 1,000 structures have been identified destroyed or severely damaged in Sevier County, TN in the wildfires that burned 17,859 total acres in Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Sevier County. 10,850 acres have burned in the national park.
  • 240 people remain in American Red Cross shelters. The number of victims has risen to thirteen; six have been identified: a couple visiting from Canada, a couple visiting from Memphis, and two Gatlinburg residents. The number of people treated at LeConte Medical Center in Sevierville has risen to 80.
  • Gatlinburg Parkway and River Road openings are delayed until Wednesday, December 7, 2016.
  • Search, rescue and recovery efforts are ongoing.
  • There are currently no burning wildfires in Sevier County. The wildfires in the national park are at 0% containment, meaning that no bulldozer line has been created around all burning areas. The area is still in a severe drought with an 11″ rain deficit and extreme caution is urged as wildfire hot spots are still active in GSMNP.
  • Current Air Quality Index is Moderate (orange) meaning that air quality is acceptable for the general population but may be unhealthy for sensitive groups: people with heart or lung disease; older adults and children should reduce prolonged or heavy exertion.
  • An Interactive Map has been created for property owners to check on the status of their homes and businesses. A link to the map can also be found on Facebook at Chinmey Tops 2 Fire. About 980 entries have been made and this is only 60% of the total structures that have been identified.
  • What can you do to help? Come and visit us in the Great Smoky Mountains! Pigeon Forge and Sevierville are ready to greet you, and several areas of the national park are again open. Our economy is dependent on your tourism dollars to help us rebuild and maintain. We’ll keep you posted on various organizations who’ve set-up relief funds, however in the meantime, get out your calendar and plan your next trip to our neck of the woods! We need you!

As stated earlier, a lot of folks here are still trying to wrap their heads around this week’s events. This amazing video created by brothers Joe and Bruce McCamish with McCamish Media offers some perspective and shares some insight on the magnitude of this wildfire event.

“After midnight on Monday night, I was with Bruce, my brother, in the Bluff Mountain Fire Tower in Pigeon Forge. We were watching a devastating event. We were photographing the fire in Pigeon Forge when we saw the rain coming in from the West. We saw the fire was about to consume Dollywood so we raced over while praying that the rain would get there first. At exactly 3:30 am the rain came. We stood in that glorious downpour watching the fires slowly die, except for the engulfed cabins. Before the rains, Bruce captured a picture of Dolly’s DreamMore Resort with the devastating wildfires bearing down on it, and that one picture, more than any other, captured peoples’ attention when it came to the national media. Every major media outlet contacted us for permission to use this image the next day. Dolly is so well-loved that all the networks and their affiliates used this image as their lead in on this fire tragedy. It was a great photo Bruce captured that caught the attention of the nation.

As many of you do, Bruce and I both have a deep emotional attachment to these mountains and we saw a powerful intervention – at 3:30 that morning. If the rain hadn’t arrived when it did, it’s likely all of Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge would have gone up in flames.

I was inspired to make this video to help explain how this unfolded. I’ve used half a dozen of Bruce’s pictures and the rest I picked up to help visually tell the story. There’s certainly a lot of sadness involved but few know how incredibly precarious the situation was. I choose the song ‘Amazing Grace’ because with 20,000+ people in harm’s way that night – there were many miracles.” – Joe McCamish via Facebook

 Please continue to keep our people and mountains close at heart. #smokymountainstrong

Areas Now Open in Great Smoky Mountains National Park | Gatlinburg Parkway and River Road May Open by Wednesday, December 7, 2016

December 1, 2016 VISITOR ALERT – Some areas are now open, like Cades Cove Loop Road, in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Downtown Gatlinburg Parkway and River Road hope to be open back to the public by Wednesday, December 7, 2016. This visitor alert report comes from this morning’s press conference in Gatlinburg along with local reports and information from the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

areas-open-great-smoky-mountains-national-park

Thank you firefighters, rescue workers and policemen from all over who’ve helped the Smokies! (photo: National Forest Service)

The Oconaluftee Visitor Center near Cherokee, NC has re-opened; however, Sugarlands Visitor Center and Clingmans Dome remain closed due to wildfires and smoke. Highway 441, Little River Road, Cherokee Orchard Road, and Parsons Branch also remain closed.

For the latest information on what trails and areas are closed in the national park, visit Great Smoky Mountains National Park for the latest from the National Park Service. The threat of fire in the area is still extremely high despite recent rainfalls, all visitors and residents alike are asked to please exercise caution.

In Gatlinburg, from the post office, located on Highway 321 East, to city limits on the east side of  town is now open to the public. Even though city officials hope to have both the Gatlinburg Parkway (Highway 441) and River Road open to the public by Wednesday, December 7, the side streets will remain closed until deemed safe.

Many roads within Sevier County should be open by the weekend according to County Mayor, Larry Waters. Areas in the county that will not open are Wiley Oakley/North Chalet Village, Westgate Resort area, and Beech Branch/Walker Trail area.

Wildfire Search and Recovery Efforts Ongoing in Gatlinburg and Sevier County

Reports today increased the wildfire coverage to over 17,000 acres with the damage half in the National Park and half in Sevier County.

Officials stated that three people were rescued yesterday. Two people were rescued from an elevator in Westgate Resort and another rescued at a home on Ski Mountain. About 70% of the affected area still needs to be checked by rescue teams. The number of wildfire victims remains at seven with the number of injured people treated at LeConte Medical Center up to 53. The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) still cannot release the identities of victims. Approximately 240 people remained in the two area shelters overnight.

A Facebook Page, Chimney Tops 2 Fire has been set-up to act as a general clearinghouse for both residents and visitors seeking information on property. Officials are currently setting up a GIS mapping system so that home owners can check on their properties; there will be a link on the Facebook page to the map. The map will be updated on a regular basis.

The Sevier County Humane Society is working with animal control officers and others to check homes for pet owners whose pets are missing. If you have a missing pet, please visit the Humane Society’s Facebook Page and give a detailed description with your street address.

How You Can Donate To Smoky Mountains  Wildfire Relief Efforts

The amount of in-kind donations has been so overwhelming that officials have asked for a halt on all in-kind donations at this time. For those wishing to make donations, a donation clearinghouse of sorts has been set up at Rocky Top Sports World in Gatlinburg to help direct your donation to the appropriate agency; you may call them at 865-430-7384 or 866-586-4483.

The Dolly Parton Foundation has also stepped up to serve the community by organizing the My People Fund where each family in Sevier County who’s lost their home will receive $1,000 each month for six months to get back on their feet. Dolly Parton is asking her fans world-wide to donate and make this big dream come true for her beloved people in the Smoky Mountains.

Another press conference will be held at 4:00 p.m. today. We’ll keep you posted on the latest news at HeySmokies.com.