Smoky Mountain Wildfire Relief Effort Continues | Gatlinburg & National Park Re-Open on December 9, 2016

As the Great Smoky Mountains wildfire relief effort continues, we wanted to give everyone a progress update and let you know of some current needs as of December 8, 2016. We are happy to announce the following areas will re-open to the public on Friday, December 9th: City of Gatlinburg, The Spur, Gatlinburg By-pass, Sugarlands Visitor Center, Newfound Gap Road, Little River Road.

We cannot begin to express our gratitude for the many folks who’ve come to the aid and rescue of Sevier County, TN and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Firefighters, families, and good people from across the country have made an everlasting impact on the people who live and work here.

Local Rotary Clubs have joined forces and are now managing the two Pigeon Forge Distribution Centers and In-Kind Donations. The Distribution Center at Boyd’s Bears is at capacity and no longer taking donations. Donations (small pick-up trucks or less) can be made at the former Smoky Mountain Jubilee Theater located at 2115 Parkway in Pigeon Forge. The Smoky Mountain Jubilee Donation Center is open 7 days a week from 8:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m. Please note that the donation center is not accepting any more used clothing or bottled water. What is still needed is NEW CLOTHING: winter coats of all sizes, warm gloves for all ages and sizes, athletic shoes in all sizes, men’s work boots in all sizes, men’s underwear in Large, XL, XXL, and men’s and ladies’ work gloves along with duffle bags, and suitcases.

Other needs are personal hygiene items, OTC cold medicines,  laundry detergent, non-perishable food items, paper bowls, plastic wear, can openers, scissors, school supplies, brooms, mops and buckets, rakes and shovels, and water hoses. Food items needed are flour, sugar, cereal, and instant coffee and creamer. The donation centers/shelters are serving about 3,000 people a day.

By the Numbers Update

• 2,460 structures have been destroyed or damaged in the wildfires; 191 injuries and illnesses; 14 confirmed fatalities.
• 406 members of the Type 1 Federal Incident Management Team are still fighting the Chimney Top 2 Fire. This includes 8 crews, 34 engines, 3 helicopters, and 1 dozer. The Chimney Top 2 Fire is estimated at 82% containment. The Cobbly Nob Fire is estimated at 89% containment. The Incident Management Team remains confident that their containment lines are very secure in all areas near homes and businesses.
• 2 teenagers from Tennessee, but not Sevier County, have been charged with aggravated arson for the Chimney Top 2 Fire. The public responding to the National Park’s tip line was crucial in making the arrest. The investigation is still active and ongoing according to the Tennessee Bureau of  Investigation.

Sevier County government agencies have organized a website, www.mountaintough.org to provide up-to-date information on a variety of topics related to the recent wildfires. They’ve also set up the call center hotline, East Tennessee 211, to connect local residents with a full-range of community services and agencies of United Way. The call center is open Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. EST. Those outside the local area may each the call center at 865-215-4211.