Numerous fires, including one in Pigeon Forge, were recorded in the Smokies a few weeks ago. Those regions included Eastern Tennessee and Western North Carolina.
Although the vast majority of these fires have already been put out or contained, the possibility of a wildfire still exists because of the dry weather and increasing winds.
In the hills surrounding Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, authorities with Tennessee Wildland Fire worked earlier this month to put out a wildfire that had destroyed more than 100 buildings. There have been about 3,700 acres burned by the Hatcher Mountain Road/Indigo Lane fire.
Hatcher Mountain, Cove Creek, and Indigo Roads, as well as the Shagbark resort, all required evacuations, according to Sevier County Emergency Management.
Several roads in the area were also closed to allow emergency vehicles easier access. The area where Dolly Parton’s Dollywood theme park and other attractions are located is on fire.
Parton sent her sympathy to everyone impacted by the California wildfires on Instagram. “I’ve been keeping up with everything going on with the fires near my home region,” Parton remarked…
Although it seems scary on television, I’m glad of how the community has rallied together as it usually does.
“The brave men and women battling the fire make me incredibly proud.”
She then asked for prayers for those who had been hurt by the fire. According to Parton, she has been told that everything around her Dollywood estate is in order. I hope you will join me in praying for some folks I know who have been affected, she says.
I’ve also been in touch with my Dollywood contacts over this time, and they have let me know that everything is alright there.
A Dollywood representative stated that the fire began in a heating and air conditioning unit on top of a closed and vacant building on the resort’s property at around 2 p.m.
According to the spokesman, no one was nearby when the event occurred, and staff members were able to put out the fire before the Pigeon Forge Fire Department showed up. A spokeswoman said the attraction was still operational and open.
The Millstone Gap fire, the second to burn 800 acres in a rural area near the border of Blount County and Sevier County, was completely out of control and didn’t seem to have much hope of being put out. At this time, investigators are attempting to determine what caused the fire.
The Seymore Heights Christian Church remained open as needed for those in need, while the Pigeon Forge Community Center operated as a shelter.
Tennessee typically experiences two fire seasons, according to tn.gov. The forest “greens up” during the spring fire season, which starts in mid-February and finishes in mid-May.
The middle of October, when the leaves begin to change, marks the beginning of the fall fire season, which lasts until the middle of December.
But it’s crucial to keep in mind that wildfires can happen at any time of the year. Wildfires can start naturally as well. However, 85% of American wildfires, according to academics, are thought to be caused by human activity.
