Wildfires Blazing in Gatlinburg Reach Dollywood’s ‘Doorstep’

Our thoughts and prayers are with folks in East Tennessee this morning as firefighters and emergency management crews continue to battles raging wildfires in and around Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge.

Overnight, fires reached “right on the doorstep” of Dollywood, which is owned by country music icon Dolly Parton. According to ABC News, the flames forced the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency to evacuate guest cabins at the popular tourist destination. Thankfully, firefighting crews were able to stop the flames from destroying the park.

“We have fire crews on the park working with our team to protect structures,” Pete Owens, Dollywood Director of Media, told ABC News. “There is fire on the ridge near the park.”

Dollywood is closed today, according to the park’s website.

The Gatlinburg Fire Department has now issued a mandatory evacuation of the city as fires continue to engulf the area.

A wildfire from the Great Smoky Mountains National Park turned into multiple wildfires Monday when gusts of up to 70 mph went through the area. The fires have now destroyed several homes and businesses in the area, including a 16-story hotel and an apartment complex.

“The wind is not helping, and the rain is not here yet,” Gatlinburg Fire Department Chief Greg Miller said in a news conference on Monday. “These are the worst possible conditions imaginable.”

The area received some much needed rain Monday night, while the National Guard has been deployed to the area to assist as dangerous wildfires continue to burn. For up-to-date information regarding the wildfires, visit the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency’s website.