GATLINBURG, Tenn. (WKRN) – The Tennessee Emergency Management Agency says damage reports are widespread in Gatlinburg as crews continue to fight a wildfire outbreak in Sevier County.
Officials say it’s likely that 14,000 residents and visitors have been evacuated from Gatlinburg alone.
Officials say the Chimney Top Fire, which began in the Great Smoky Mountains, spread very rapidly Monday evening as high winds pushed flames onto private property.’
If you want to make a donation to those affected by the fires, here’s how you can help.
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Firefighters from throughout the state have been mobilized to Sevier County, specifically in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, to fight a large wildfire.
“The state is proving a coordinated response, including the National Guard, to help all those affected by the devastating wildfires burning in Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, and throughout the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. TEMA encourages residents in Sevier County to stay off mobile devices, unless it is an emergency, to prevent outage,” said a statement released by Gov. Bill Haslam on Tuesday.