The Great Smoky Mountains National Park, covering over 522,000 acres between the states of North Carolina and Tennessee, is easily the most visited park in America. Hosting more than 10 million visitors a year, the park is known for its stunning mountain vistas, waterfalls and over 800 miles of hiking trails. Visitors to the park often make Cades Cove one of their vacation destinations, driving or bicycling an 11 mile one-way loop road which includes a collection of historic buildings located throughout the beautiful sheltered valley. The wildlife viewing opportunities are numerous, as herds of wild whitetail deer, turkey, black bear and coyotes are often spotted. But the wildly popular park has suffered a huge setback recently, as wildfires burned through thousands of acres this past month.
According to authorities working with the ATF (Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives), a man-made fire is suspected in causing the fire, which began near the Chimney Tops trail on November 23, 2016. Extreme drought conditions combined with high winds created a veritable firestorm that quickly spread through the park and into the neighboring town of Gatlinburg, Tennessee. The resulting fire, considered the largest wildfire in 100 years, burned over 15,000 acres, with over 10,000 of those acres located within the confines of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Unusually high winds on Monday night led the fires to spread to the town of Gatlinburg, Tennessee, a well-known tourist destination. Over 14,000 individuals, residents and tourists alike, were evacuated, with some having only moments to escape the conflagration. The current number of individuals lost (death toll 11) is expected to rise, as there are a number of individuals who are still missing.
Searches for the missing continue as residents were allowed to return to their residences to survey the damage. With over 1000 structures destroyed by the flames, many residents were greeted by the grim reality of the total destruction of their homes and personal belongings. Hundreds of residents are currently residing in local shelters as insurance companies begin to evaluate claims for property losses. Current estimates are that ultimately the fires will cost billions in damages.
In an effort to help local families, country music singer Dolly Parton offered prayers and support, quickly establishing the My People Fund. The funds raised will provide $1000 in monthly assistance to families in Sevier County, Tennessee who lost their homes in the fire. Dolly Parton’s theme park, Dollywood, one of the most popular of the tourist attractions in the area, did not suffer any major damage.
Authorities continue to investigate the cause of the fire, and local searches continue in an effort to account for the individuals who have been reported as missing by their friends and family members.
Below is a list of places to donate to the cause:
Red Cross Disaster Relief (Donations of money only)
Smoky Mountains Church Of Christ (tangible goods)
CFMT (Charitable Donations)
Smokys National Park (Donations, Volunteers and all types of help needed)
CSMA ( Join Park Membership To Help Replant Thousands of burned acres)
Tn Nursery (Purchase tree seedlings To Send To Smoky Mountains To replant)
Dolly Partons Telethon (call to donate 1-866-CARE MORE)