Residents of Tennessee have been dealing with a wildfire that started across Tennessee’s Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Though the cause of the fire is still unknown, some officers believe that someone unintentionally started the fire.
Because of the dry land in the area, this wildfire is just one of several over the past few weeks, however, none have been as big. Winds reaching 70 mph increased the speed of the fire’s spread.
Recent rainfall provided little help to firefighters as nothing proved strong enough to stop the rapid spread of the fire. With the buildup of dry leaves over the years, the rain could do no more than help control the fire in some areas.
With the wildfire quickly spreading over 17,000 acres of land, many people were struck with fear and rushed to evacuate. Most businesses in the area closed down due to the fact that no one knew where the fire would spread and schools canceled classes until further notice
Over 10,000 people have had to evacuate and seek shelter where they and their families would be safe. 14 deaths have been reported but that number is expected to rise— during the evacuation, many families were separated and some family members are missing. People are out on the streets searching for those missing individuals.
Fallen cell towers have made it difficult for separated families to reach each other, thirty businesses, a building complex, and a 16 story high hotel burned down. The fire has left many people in the streets and 1,000 pets stuck in homes.
“If you’re a person of prayer, we could use your prayers,” said Gatlinburg Fire Chief Greg Miller.
Pigeon Forge has opened a distribution center for people who want to donate to those that were impacted. Hygiene products like deodorant, underwear, toothpaste and toothbrushes are needed along with food and baby food. There is also a toy drive for those who want to donate Christmas toys for kids.
