|
Fatalities at 14, 145 injuries, 1,753 structures gone from Smoky Mountain Wildfires
DECEMBER 5, 2016 at 6:52 p.m.
GATLINBURG — Officials from Sevier County, City of Gatlinburg, TEMA, and Great Smoky Mountain National Park released an updated report today on the current situation as a result of the Smoky Mountain wildfires which began on November 28. On Tuesday, December 6, property owners, business owners, renters, and lease holders will continue to have daily access to properties to allow appropriate time for cleaning, smoke removal, and securing their properties. Daily access will be allowed from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. through the East Parkway (Hwy. 321) entry point. The curfew remains in effect from 6:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.
On Wednesday, December 7, property owners, business owners, renters, and lease holders will be allowed to return to full-time occupancy beginning at 7:00 a.m. through the East Parkway (Hwy. 321) entry point. The curfew will then be in effect from 10:00 p.m. until 6:00 a.m. on both Wednesday and Thursday.
The City of Gatlinburg plans to reopen for business and to the general public on Friday, December 9 at 7:00 a.m. Major roadways are expected to be open, but some city roadways may remain closed to accommodate utility work. More information will be provided throughout the week.
Local officials have provided the following update:
• To date, there are 14 confirmed fatalities.
• To date, there have been 145 injuries/illnesses.
• 1,753 structures have been damaged or destroyed by the fire.
• There are currently 25 crews, 46 engines, 6 helicopters, 2 dozers, 780 total personnel fighting the Chimney Top 2 Fire as a part of the Type 1 Federal Incident Management Team.
• The Chimney Top 2 Fire is estimated to be 42% contained. The Cobbly Knob Fire is estimated to be 53% contained.
• The Spur parkway is open only from Pigeon Forge to the Gatlinburg Welcome Center. There will be no access to Wiley Oakley from the Spur.
• Wiley Oakley Drive and Greystone Heights Road remain inaccessible due to critical utility work. Emergency crews are working to open it as soon as possible.
• The Water Boil Advisory is still in effect for the following areas in Gatlinburg: Ski Mountain, Chalet Village, Greystone Heights, and Campbell Lead areas. The Water Boil Advisory was lifted for the downtown area.
Related stories:
• Great Smoky Mountains National Park trails closed due to wildfire
• Chimney Tops Trail remains closed due to spreading wildfire
• Two sections of Great Smoky Mountains National Park on fire -- health hazard, trails closed, roads closed
• National Park trails closed due to another wildfire
• National Park trails reopened after wildfire
• City of Gatlinburg calling for evacuations due to wildfires
• National Park issues updated report on Chimney Tops wildfire; 7 fatalities, 700 structures lost
• National Park and Gatlinburg fires spread throughout Sevier County causing multiple fatalities and great damage
• Chimney Tops 2 Fire update for December 3
• Specific donations needed for Sevier County fire survivors
• Local, state, and federal officials provide update on Sevier County Fires
• Sevier County, City of Gatlinburg, TEMA, and Great Smoky Mountain National Park issue wildfires update
• Updated wildfires report issued today by Sevier County, City of Gatlinburg, TEMA, and Great Smoky Mountain National Park
• Chimney Tops 2 Fire update for December 3
• Sevier County Fires result in 14 fatalities, 160 injuries, 1,785 structures destroyed or damaged
• Two Tennessee juveniles charged in connection with Sevier County wildfires
• Sevier County, City of Gatlinburg, and TEMA issue update on wildfires
• U.S. Army Reserve responds to Smoky Mountain Wildfire aftermath
• Chimney Tops 2 Fire nearly contained; National Park and Gatlinburg reopen; roads update
Published December 5, 2016 |