GATLINBURG, TN – One of Tennessee’s most popular tourist destinations is being evacuated due to wildfires. Gatlinburg fire officials have declared an immediate mandatory evacuation of the Mynatt Park, Savage Gardens, East Foothills Road, Turkey Nest Road, Davenport and Ski Mountain areas.Evacuation centers were set up at the Gatlinburg Community Center and Rocky Top Sports World.
The National Weather Service says nobody is being allowed into the city at this time. School buses are being used for emergency transport, and are being dispatched as needed to transport those who need to evacuate.
Gatlinburg Fire Chief Greg Miller is asking the public for prayers and asking everyone to stay off the highways so emergency vehicles have full access. Schools in the area will be closed on Tuesday due to the fires.
A fire in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park has grown to about 500 acres because of strong winds, as gusts are gusting up to 60-mph. The fire has been burning since last Wednesday and has forced several roads and trails in the parks to close
–Header Image: Jeannet Qui’To
Praying for Gatlinburg.
We will be there this Thursday. What does the outlook looking like? Will we need to cancel our vacation? Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this time.
Fire fighters are gaining control of the fire, but it still continues to burn this evening. Continue to check back to WeatherNation for the latest updates.