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. Several fire trucks took severe fire damage near Wears Valley. There is no indication that there is any criminal aspect to the fire, Waters said. Duran knew his vacation cabin was destroyed, putting his plans to retire there in 18 months on hold. Copyright 2022 WVLT. The injured person was reportedly taken to the University of Tennessee Medical Center via airlift. The buckets suspend from the helicopter and contain valves on the bottom the crew can use to dispense water. They were hoping to reunite it with its owner. Sevier County EMA officials also released a phone number for people to call with questions or information about areas affected by the Hatcher Mountain Road/Indigo Lane Fire Thursday afternoon. The family has been staying in a hotel and theyve been in touch with the Airbnb host, who is unaware about the status of the cabin, Frederick told CNN. Winds were expected to die down Thursday. National Park Service says never push a slower friend down when escaping a bear, Knoxville utilities crews work to restore power after intense storms, Lisa Edwards family retains civil rights attorney, Band protests TN drag bill by wearing dresses, Tennessee GOP lawmaker apologizes over hanging comment, New TN aquarium exhibit showcases Appalachian aquatic life. According to Knox News , the fire had zero-percent containment going into the late-night hours. We appreciate that and are thankful for the donations, he said. At the time, the Gatlinburg police chief told WVLT News that cell phone towers were down in the area. Two more squads of two helicopters were scheduled to leave the base at 10 a.m. and 12 p.m., Haas said. Propane tanks have been exploding, Pigeon Forge Fire Chief Tony Watson said Sunday. If you are unsure if you are in this area, you should evacuate. There are no reports of fatalities or missing people as a result of the blaze, 2023 Cable News Network. By and large nighttime fires calm down and dont move much, but tonight we are going to have winds that will be a concern.. Those interested in helping can go to this website to arrange donations. It has been a brutal 24 hours in Pigeon Forge, TN. All rights reserved. -Maintenance of a current certification in CPR and First Aid. 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. The Millstone Gap Fire grew to 650 acres as crews continue to fight both fires. Herman Duran is one of the countless homeowners and residents impacted bythe two Smoky Mountainregion wildfires that broke out in late March. Jon Summers, 61, and Janet Summers, 61, were from Memphis, Tennessee. Earlier, authorities had evacuated more homes as high winds fanned the wildfire and caused problems for helicopters sent in to help fight the flames. Despite these challenges, we sent police fire and mass transit to evacuate citizens and visitors, said Miller. Sevier County EMA officials took to Twitter late Thursday morning to give an update on damage assessment and donation plans. Courthouse in Greeneville that is expected to last ten days. CNN Sans & 2016 Cable News Network. Copyright 2022 WVLT. All rights reserved. The wildfires touched over 1,000 acres. 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. Pilot killed in helicopter crash was former wildland firefighter, Higher than average wildfire activity expected in Southern Plains and Southwest, April through June, Long bushfire season wears down firefighters in Queensland and Western Australia, Community near Heppner, Oregon first in Morrow County to earn Firewise designation, County Cork fire brigades work through the night on gorse fires, Renewed call for the Holy Grail of firefighter tracking, Hiker owes $300,000 for Arizona wildfire he started. And, its the days after that night that they said give them a new light in life. When asked how he felt personally, Waters said he felt nervous and asked for prayers. They asked people to call 911 only for emergencies. Updated If it keeps going, we already know well be here as long as we need, Pigeon Forge Fire Chief Tony Watson said. Goodhue said the state trooper told him the neighborhood was being evacuated. Sevier County dispatch told WVLT News that there was a two-mile evacuation from Parkside Resort near Little Cove Road and Pine Mountain Road. Responders said the concern is a lot lower today than yesterday, saying the weather is better for fighting it. Anyone in the affected area should use caution as emergency crews continue to work. Officials had warned early Wednesday that warm temperatures, low humidity and strong winds increased the risk of fire danger. The area is home to rental cabins with some permanent residences. It was 30% contained as of Thursday afternoon, officials said. The raw audio details harrowing escapes and the desperate pleas for help made by wildfire survivors when the flames approached homes and businesses. The Dupont fire startedMarch 31, burned nearly 1,000 acres and was fully contained a week later. That evening, wind gusts of up to 87 mph sent embers flying into Gatlinburg, wreaking havoc on the city and surrounding communities. Mountain Tough is a program for those that wish to help the citizens, businesses and visitors to Sevier County. Id just like to say I appreciate the outpouring of support, said the Sevier County Fire Administrator David Puckett. The fire was 30 to 40 acres and was 100% contained by Friday afternoon. Crews are continuing to make areas affected by the fire safe enough that people can return to their homes, he said. Updated: Mar 2, 2023 / 09:10 AM EST. 2. Upon arrival to the area, they will receive their assignments to help fellow firefighters that have already been on scene for several hours, officials with the Dandridge Fire Department said. Your effort and contribution in providing this feedback is much Perrin Anderson with Sevier County announced a mandatory evacuation for the Smoky Ridge Way area off of Wears Valley Road due to increased fire conditions Thursday afternoon. Crews are also working a fire off Millstone Gap Road in Seymour, near the Blount County/Sevier County line, officials said. Lessons learned from 2016 Gatlinburg wildfire likely saved lives, Smokies fire comes at 'one of the worst times' for business owners, In light of Smokies fire in Wears Valley, track wildfires in Tennessee, Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy. 2023 Cable News Network. 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. Twin brothers Beau and Zackary MacLellan lost their home and their jobs to the fire. 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. A mandatory evacuation was ordered Thursday afternoon for Smoky Ridge Way off Wears Valley Road due to increased fire activity. Marlow Volunteer Fire Department and other crewsrespondedto the30-acre fire in the area, and residents were asked to remain alert to the "evolving situation.". Thursday morning, Red Cross officials were able to confirm the EMA decided to not classify the community center as a shelter because they were not sure if the fire would spread in that direction. -Certification as a TN Fire Inspector I or ability to obtain within one (1) year of employment. Officials with the Knoxville Fire Department confirmed that they would remain in Sevier County throughout the night, and likely into Saturday as well Friday afternoon. A Warner Bros. 2022-03-31. While heading to his cabin, Duranstopped along the way to talk to Sevier County Fire Administrator David Puckett. Seymour Heights Christian Church, (122 Boyd's Creek Highway) and the Pigeon Forge Community Center (170 Community Center Drive) are available as shelters for persons displaced by the Hatcher Mountain Road/Indigo Lane Fire. Duran was wearing a veteran's hat and mentioned his military service, he said. We just want everybody to stay vigilant. Officials identified Robert A. Hejny, 63, who was found at Travelers Motel in Gatlinburg. 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. Highway 321, Wears Valley Road, was closed to traffic from Townsend to Pigeon Forge due to the fire. Phase one will be a trial on duty and breach and will be applied to all parties involved. Multiple communities under evacuation orders as wildfires grow and new ones spark overnight. The second video shows fire crews working to save cabins in Sevier County as flames creep closer. ET Thursday. The Countys Emergency Management department said it is in the Hatcher Mountain Road and Indigo Lane area of the Wears Valley Community. pic.twitter.com/E7i2IPTBFB. I'm just really hoping everybody came off the mountain.. Have a phone thats charged and on and listen to the media.. A new fire started Wednesday in Sevier County, Tennessee approximately four miles southwest of Pigeon Forge and six miles northwest of Gatlinburg. They can some back in the morning and the fire hasnt moved., On the other hand, high winds also concerned responders, Smith said. Two incident management teams are on the scene, an interagency team and a state team. Sevier County Emergency Management Agency shared the following roads are closed to the public at this time: Sevier County Schools officials announced Thursday afternoon that school would be cancelled Friday, April 1 due to the ongoing effects of the Hatcher Mountain Fire. According to Sevier County Emergency Management, after visiting the website with the above evacuation map, users cantype their address into the window to see if they are within the evacuation area. Posted: Mar 2, 2023 / 06:41 AM EST. Once buses arrive, students will be dismissed accordingly. Waters did have some good news, saying he thinks that the worst of the danger is over. A wildfire burns in Sevier County, Tennessee, on Wednesday. Another fire that started March 26 about 17 miles south of Gatlinburg near Bryson City and Whittier, the Thomas Divide Fire, has burned 948 acres. Officials with the Pigeon Forge Police Department said no traffic will be able to travel into Wears Valley from Pigeon Forge until further notice. 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. Investigators said the state was unable to prove the criminal responsibility of the two juveniles beyond a reasonable doubt for the devastation that happened outside the Great Smoky Mountains National Park due to the high wind speeds that spread the fire from the mountains and into the city. I feel bad for them people.. Duran currently lives in Coral Gables, Florida. 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. Helicopters have been dropping water on the fire since early Thursday morning. The combination of the precipitation and the winds dying down is a big step in the right direction. This could lead to significant fire spread toward the northeast before the showers begin. The recordings also detail the heroic efforts of crews battling the blaze behind the scenes. The Kings Academy is open as a shelter for those evacuating due to local fires. Ripley Aquarium of the Smokies in Gatlinburg evacuated all of its workers, reportedly leaving behind 10,518 animals. 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. We hope that everyone has a good spring break, officials said. Mayor Waters also said he would provide media with updates later in the afternoon, which WVLT will relay through the WVLT News App live. Positioned on the edge of the Great Smoky Mountains, the area also is popular with outdoors enthusiasts and has a wide variety of other attractions, including music theaters, outlet malls, go-kart tracks and miniature golf courses. Just a few hours prior to the commercial structure fire, at 6:59 p.m. on Responders have confirmed to WVLT News that the wildfire in Sevier County has grown to 1,000 acres and affected 35 structures. An evacuation was ordered for anyone within two miles from Parkside Resort in Pigeon Forge due to a fast-moving brush fire. 2023 www.knoxnews.com. Severe weather poses statewide threat of strong straight-line winds, severe thunderstorms, and tornadic activity. Mayor Waters also gave an update on road closures, saying officials would only reopen roads if they were safe. More than 11,000 acres were burned inside the Great Smoky Mountains National Park; more than 17,000 acres were burned throughout the path of the fire. He said the fire had grown to 800 acres and was 0% contained, but also said the fire had not affected any structures. She added that she was in touch with people at Dollywood, Partons theme park in Pigeon Forge, and that everything is okay there.. The wind is making this fire very hard to manage.. Mayor Waters also thanked the community for the outpouring of support, saying people and residents had donated many items including food, water and new clothes. There will be an update on the noon news here shortly. It looks like somebody just went through there and just dropped a bomb on the place, Shannon McCostlin told WATE. Several apparatus and a dozer lost on the Wears Valley fire; dozer operator burned and flown out. 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. A no-fly restriction remains for the public for Wears Valley and Chilhowee Mountain through April 7, according to a release. 3:03 PM EDT, Mon March 18, 2013. Its made a difference in lives saved, its made a difference in property saved, he said. (No insurance company calls, please. Sevier County officials began issuing mandatory evacuations around 4:30 p.m. There was no update on his condition this morning. Roads continue to remain closed and he suggested using Little Cove Road to access Wears Valley Road. The Sevierville Convention Center, at 202 Gists Creek Road in Sevierville, is open as an evacuation shelter for persons displaced by the fire. He also asked that anyone wanted to donate supplies do so through mountaintough.org. A temporary shelter is set up at the Pigeon Forge Community Center at 170 Community Center Drive. The blaze started as a house fire, he said. This is a developing story in Pigeon Forge, TN. There are no reports of fatalities or missing people as a result of the blaze, Waters said, calling the news answered prayers.. On Thursday, things expect to be different. Eleven plaintiffs are suing the National Park Service, and the cases are broken down into two phases. Copyright 2022 WVLT. About half an inch of rainfall is expected early Thursday morning. I could see the smoke coming off of Waldens Creek back there, and I was like, That's coming from where I live.. John Tegler, 71, and Marilyn Tegler, 70, were dual citizens from Woodstock, Ontario, but owned a vacation home on North Skyline Drive in Chalet Village. 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. Did you encounter any technical issues? Authorities issued an evacuation for the greater Wears Valley and Waldens Creek areas just after 7 p.m. Sevier County Schools officials announced schools would not be open on Thursday, March 31 just after 7 p.m. Sevier County authorities told WVLT News that the fire had affected at least 20 structures, like buildings, and one civilian was injured. Have a wildland fire news tip? Massive mutual aid response via TN Mutual Aid Systen. An internal investigation by then U.S. Secretary of Interior Ryan Zinke found that the National Park Service was unprepared but not negligent. Waters also said TBI and Sevier County Sheriffs Office investigators are looking into what caused the fire. While the crew had been unable to save that particularcabin, they said,they took down the flag when they retreated. When asked about what the fight has been like on the scene, Mayor Waters said he appreciated the professionalism and organization of responders from the beginning, 11 a.m. Wednesday. 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. Copyright 2021 WVLT. Wears Valley Road and Waldens Creek Road reopened according to officials with the Sevier County Emergency Management Agency. "Road closures may occur earlier than expected and additional roads may close as conditions warrant. Emma Frederick and her family, who were staying at an Airbnb rental in Sevier County for the week, received an alert about the evacuations Wednesday afternoon when they were out, and were unable to retrieve their belongings from the cabin. Red Cross officials confirmed the Pigeon Forge Community Center shelter will close at 2 p.m. Sunday. You can see the glow from the Wears Valley fire behind Pine Mountain. Waters also gave an update on the Millstone Gap Fire, another fire in the Sevier County area. Officials updated yesterdays estimate of 2,675 acres burned to 2,498 acres. Wind-fueled wildfires swept across Sevier County in 2016 claiming lives, homes and livelihoods forever changing the landscape of Gatlinburg and the Smokies. Officials reported that evacuation alerts went out on cell phones, but some residents said they never received the alerts. 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. The cause of the structure and brush fire were not known as of Thursday night, according to deputies. The Sevier County Fairgrounds will open Friday to receive donations as well. "It could be worse," Duran told Knox News of his predicament. ", Things can be replaced, people cant, he said. I have no way out, and I have children at home., The lawsuit alleges that the line went dead after the dispatcher told Mrs. Reed, Stay with me.. Five fire rescue vehicles, including four county vehicles and one state vehicle, were damaged as a result of the fire, Waters said. Due to The National Weather Services spot weather forecast for the incident predicts that a line of showers will move into the fire area bringing about half an inch of precipitation between 3 and 6 a.m. 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. Well thankfully a church has got us a hotel room located for the night, Chris Clemmons said. 8:40 PM EDT, Thu March 31, 2022. Officials said May Vance died of a heart attack in the wildfires and did not release further information other than they were from Gatlinburg. Officials later said that they believed the structure fire was later a separate fire, not related to the Pine Mountain Fire. Kaitlin Wright tweeted, Devastating video of the wildfire ongoing near the Pigeon Forge, Tennessee area. Despite the predictions, on Monday, Nov. 28, dry weather and extreme winds caused the fire to grow rapidly. Miller confirmed that his crews were in the mop up phase, primarily checking hotspots that could restart parts of the fire. Officials give latest update on Hatcher Mountain Wildfire. Dozens of Sevier County residents faced uncertainty Wednesday night as a raging wildfire stormed through the area. A trial date is set for July 12, 2022, at 9 a.m. at the U.S. Hotels are also allowing residents to stay for free, Flener said. What you need to know as crews continue to fight a wildfire in Sevier Co. More: https://bit.ly/3IQcELz. Two firefighters suffered minor injuries and were treated at the scene; one man was injured Wednesday and flown out by LifeStar. WVLT News spoke with the Sevier County Assistant for Governmental Affairs Perrin Anderson confirmed Tuesday afternoon that the Hatcher Mountain Wildfire was 100% contained. The visuals of the fire are tough to view. The fire also grew to around 3,700 acres, affecting over 100 structures and even five fire agency vehicles, Waters said. Crews with the Dandridge Fire Department along with other Jefferson County fire departments were headed to the fire to assist the Sevier Co. Wildland Task Force. The two wildfires were caused by high winds that downed power lines, according to the investigation completed last week by the Tennessee Department of Agricultures Agricultural Crime Unit. Elaine Brown, 81, died after she sustained a medical event that caused a multi-vehicle accident on Wears Valley Road while fleeing the fire. BREAKING: A mandatory evacuation was issued for the Smoky Ridge Way area off of Wears Valley Road due to increased fire conditions. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park issued a high wind warning and stated it plannedto close several roads across the park in preparation for the expected high winds. They said they are working on creating a list of donation drop-off points, but until those are released asked people to not donate. Michael McGrath who took this video says several more homes on the hillside have now burned. #tnwx #wildfire. It was reported that 35 homes had been burned from the brush fires. Power outages reported across the region following severe storms, Kentucky State Police investigating Floyd County death, Restrictions on vehicles restoring power and clearing debris temporarily lifted, Governor Andy Beshear updates Kentuckians following severe weather, Sevier County Fairgrounds Donations Schedule, Hatcher Mountain / Indigo Wildfire Update, fire crews were preparing for the threat of wildfires due to a Red Flag Warning, Sevier County Emergency Management Agency. A fire at Pigeon Forge has been contained. View all posts by Bill Gabbert. WVLT News spoke to Red Cross officials Wednesday night to try and get answers, but they said the decision was in the hands of Sevier County EMA. Flames destroyed nearly 2,500 homes and left an estimated $2 billion in damages. The Mountain Tough website was restarted following the fires, which is where those wanted to donate can find more information. What we do is we evaluate active fires, hotspots, Miller said. We were so caught off guard. However, another user tweeted a photo from Gatlinburg. All Rights Reserved. Parkside Resort is located in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee Credit: Parkside Resort/Facebook. The high winds knocked down power lines and started other fires, hindering communication to order mandatory evacuations. Deputies with the Sevier County Sheriffs Office originally told WVLT News that the Pine Mountain Fire started from a structure fire that started earlier in the day that was spread by the wind. The Knoxville Fire Department posted to Twitter saying that Saturday looked to be its last day in Sevier County supporting operations. Sevier County Fairgrounds Donations Schedule by WVLT News on Scribd. #WearsValleyFire.. Another fire was reported in Anderson County at 3:35 p.m., with mutual aid requested for a brush fire. Along with those updates should come a more accurate number of structures affected. Updated Sevier County residents, visitors face uncertainty amid wildfire. Officials later said that they believed the structure fire was later a separate fire, not related to the Pine Mountain Fire. We are receiving many donation offers and are working on locations where donations can be dropped.