Numerous fires, including one in Pigeon Forge, were recorded in the Smokies a few weeks ago. Those regions included Eastern Tennessee and Western North Carolina.
Although the vast majority of these fires have already been put out or contained, the possibility of a wildfire still exists because of the dry weather and increasing winds.
In the hills surrounding Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, authorities with Tennessee Wildland Fire worked earlier this month to put out a wildfire that had destroyed more than 100 buildings.
There have been about 3,700 acres burned by the Hatcher Mountain Road/Indigo Lane fire.
Hatcher Mountain, Cove Creek, and Indigo Roads, as well as the Shagbark resort, all required evacuations, according to Sevier County Emergency Management.
Several roads in the area were also closed to allow emergency vehicles easier access. The area where Dolly Parton’s Dollywood theme park and other attractions are located is on fire.
Parton took to Instagram to express her condolences to anyone affected by the California wildfires. Parton commented, “I’ve been keeping up with everything going on with the fires near my home region.”
“It appears frightening on television, but I’m proud of how everyone in the neighborhood has come together as they always do.”
“I’m extremely proud of the courageous men and women working to extinguish the fire.”
She then requested prayers for everyone harmed by the fire. Parton claims she has been informed that everything surrounding her Dollywood estate is fine. “I know some people who have been touched, and I hope you will join me in praying for them,” she continues.
I’ve also been in touch with my Dollywood contacts over this time, and they have let me know that everything is alright there.
A Dollywood representative stated that the fire began in a heating and air conditioning unit on top of a closed and vacant building on the resort’s property at around 2 p.m.
According to the spokesman, no one was nearby when the event occurred, and staff members were able to put out the fire before the Pigeon Forge Fire Department showed up. A spokeswoman said the attraction was still operational and open.
The Seymore Heights Christian Church remained open as needed for those in need, while the Pigeon Forge Community Center operated as a shelter.
According to tn.gov, there are typically two fire seasons in Tennessee. The spring fire season, which begins in mid-February and ends in mid-May, is when the forest “greens up.”
The fall fire season starts in the middle of October, when the leaves start to fall and lasts until the middle of December.
However, it is important to remember that wildfires can occur at any time of year. Nature can also cause wildfires. However, researchers believe that people are responsible for roughly 85% of wildfires in the United States.
