85867
Hoping by now the worst is over.
We live in a bush fire zone and it is my greatest fear that the bush will be set alight so I truly empathise with what you are all going through.
Losing the bushland, the forests, is such a tragedy for all the wildlife that lose their homes, even worse when homes and businesses are destroyed and people lose their lives.
Praying for all that blessed rain falls and brings an end to fires everywhere.
122864Up date on fires. I heard that Dollywood is open again. That means the fires are no longer a threat. I feel sure that Dolly Parton is trying to keep the economy going and she is also giving money to those who have lost everything. Kay
85867I'm from a small town in PA , we feel so sad for this area and we are sending 2 men from our small vol. fire dept. Praying for all.
3331Definitely on my prayer list! My nephew is a firefighter, and also a father of a 2-year-old. He works so hard to make sure families are safe. Fires leave such scars on lives and landscapes.
11860Update at 8:30 p.m. Tuesday - 3 dead, several transported to burn centers, 150 homes and businesses lost. So sad, because this is a historically impoverished area and Dolly Parton and other stars have worked very hard to bring industry (tourist-related) and jobs to this area. What a set-back.
66506It brings tears to my eyes to see the destruction. I am praying for all.
109762You have my prayers for all the people involved in these fires including the firefighters and all first responders. There is nothing more frightening than a wall of fire coming at you. Prayers for all.
10990Oh! my goodness Kay, I know what you are going through. We hved dreadful bushfires in Australia too. I hope that all your "Firies" are well protected and getting lots of rest between their shifts. I also pray that you receive some rain to quench those fires. Nature at its worst when this happens. Thanks be to God there has been no loss of life. Love Chris
234253I've been watching and praying all day. No lives have been lost at this point and for that I'm rejoicing. Here is the latest update I have available. It is from 1PM EST 11/29/2016.
Site and Situation Updates around Gatlinburg as of Noon:
No damage so far reported in the park at Elkmont or at LeConte Lodge, though fire was seen in those areas. Park HQ is without power or phones but intact. Park is completely closed
In Gatlinburg, Ober Gatlinburg is intact. Aquarium is intact. Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts lost several minor buildings. Businesses lost include Hillbilly Golf, Alamo Steakhouse, and multiple hotels and other accommodations, along with private homes along the East Parkway and downtown against the foot and along Ski Mountain. Ski Mountain is heavily burned. Areas along the Spur are heavily burned. It's believed that Westgate Resort along the Spur is a total loss. The popular wedding chapel in Gatlinburg has also burned. At least 70 homes and chalets burned in the Cobbly Knob area in Pittman Center. There is possible damage to the chairlift between Downtown and Ski Mountain
Reports are that as of 11 am, they are still fighting and overhauling 14 structure fires in Gatlinburg, and relief crews are coming in to replace those.
Though some fire did make it into Downtown, especially along the edges, the center of town is largely intact, including the space needle.
In Pigeon Forge, there are still working structure fires. Fire did make it to the Dollywood property, but was stopped by the hard work and fire lines of firefighters. Dollywood has lost some of their rental cabins across the county.
Also reports of many homes damaged or lost in the Wears Valley area.
As of 11 am, there have been 3 burn victims transported to the burn unit at Vanderbilt Medical Center in Nashville in critical condition, and one other victim with facial burns being treat at UT Medical Center in Knoxville.
No fatalities reported at time of post
While media has reported several missing persons, there's been no official reports made of missing persons yet per Gatlinburg FD Chief.
One thing that is certain, is as the GFD Chief said, this is a fire that will go down in the history books, not only for The Smokies, but for firefighting. There's never been a fire like this before and hopefully never will again, it was absolutely a perfect storm when it came to fires Monday. But The Smokies have always been a place of adversity. Many of the people up there have survived for generations, and have become very tough and resilient. Gatlinburg will never be the same again, but it will rise from the ashes...
158553Have just been through Gatlinburg and Seveirville and the pictures in the news are awful. I know that nature will replenish and regrow, but people's homes built over a lifetime - that is a different matter. Praying.
66506Prayers and more prayers. Seems we are going through one thing after another going from bad to worse and then horrific in nature. All people everywhere need to do all they are able to help any of those who are going through difficult times. Sometimes we can do nothing but pray mightily and turn it over into the Lord's hands. After the devastation and fires are out, evaluations made of the needs of all effected then we as a people can step up and work together to help all those who have to work at rebuilding their lives. Praying for all. Stay safe. As hard as loosing things is, belongings can generally be replaced, you, your family, friends, animals and pets can not be and would sorely be missed. Please be careful. Pam
8217My husband and I have been following the news on the fires. Our hearts are broken for all who are affected. We have seen the pictures and wanted to cry. These fires are affecting hundreds of square miles and I have never seen any fire so devastating. It has been several months and they are nowhere near contained. Please keep us informed. I am concerned for the safety of all of you who close to these fire.
by katydid
29 Nov 2016
My sister lives 30 to 40 min north east of area in Newport, TN. she is safe at present.
168893Having gone through our fires earlier this summer, I do not wish this on anyone. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Helen in CA
2753Praying for TN. I know firsthand how cruel Mother Nature can be.
22592We here in Sparta (East Tennessee) sure thank you for the prayers- They are greatly needed as so much of beauty and little critters have been burned.
by katydid
29 Nov 2016
I grew up in this area but now live in GA, but my heart is still in this area. My childhood memories are in this area. I went to church camps as a teen in this area. Meet a special boy friend there. Had college functions there at their civic center from the University of Tennessee. This is tragic.
34779Prayers coming your way...Hopefully they will contain it soon.
111092My prayers for rain continue. I hope all Cuties are safe. May The Mighty Lord bring rain with those fierce winds to put the fires out soon.
57618I was just going to post this very same thing, Kay......I am sickened by the horrible destruction.......God Bless all in the path of the fires......
by katydid
29 Nov 2016
My grandfather actually help make the national park a reality as he bought up land in the 1930 's for it, and my father was and engineer with the state hwy department that built the roads and bridges over the mountains. This is a wonderful national park and I hope they they can survive this tragedy.
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