Three people are in critical condition at Tennessee’s Vanderbilt University Medical Center, victims of the devastating fire that has destroyed much of the town of Gatlinburg.
Details are scarce, but the hospital reports that two of the victims arrived at the 25-bed Vanderbilt Burn Center via ground transport; the third arrived via LifeFlight.
The southeast has been plagued with wildfires over the past several weeks, and last night, high winds pushed flames from the Chimney Top Fire into Gatlinburg. More than 14,000 residents and visitors were evacuated from the town and neighboring areas, including Pigeon Forge.
Some needed help from authorities to escape the encroaching flames.
Troopers walked into areas of Gatlinburg, Tn that were surrounded by fire to remove those who were trapped by flames. pic.twitter.com/9r2lkAVy19
— TN Highway Patrol (@TNHighwayPatrol) November 29, 2016
‘It’s The Apocalypse’
While one of the town’s main attractions, Ober Gatlinburg, is safe and the center of downtown has escaped major damage, many businesses have been destroyed in the blaze.
Our property is okay. Please keep Sevier County in your thoughts and prayers! WBIR Channel 10WVLT Local 8WATE 6… https://t.co/AYThOAM3He
— Ober Gatlinburg (@OberGatlinburg) November 29, 2016
Lt. Bobby Balding of the Newmansville Volunteer Fire Department reported:
“The center of Gatlinburg looks good for now… It’s the apocalypse on both sides (of downtown).”
Hillbilly Golf is one of many businesses destroyed in the fast-moving fire. The miniature golf course, built on the side of a mountain, has been a staple of Gatlinburg tourism.
Today, it sits in ruins.
My favorite putt putt course in the world didn't survive the Gatlinburg fire. ?? #HillbillyGolf pic.twitter.com/FBkGtpjWFn
— RP (@Ryanbimmer) November 29, 2016
Cupid’s Chapel of Love, a quaint, picturesque wedding chapel nestled in a wooded setting, succumbed to the fire as well.
#Gatlinburg this is the wedding chappel in Gatlinburg @spann @kingofkingsport pic.twitter.com/D4JloGqFoi
— LadyJsReviews (@ItsJustMeJen75) November 29, 2016
According to Assistant Fire Chief Bradley Collins of the Orebank Fire Department, several hotels and multiple homes were destroyed in the blaze:
“It was devastating. We’ve seen some nice homes burning.”
Employees of Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smoky Mountains were evacuated Monday night, as flames reached within 50 yards of the concrete structure. Ryan DeSear, general manager of the aquarium, was one of the last people out when the building was evacuated.
He said that even if the aquarium loses power, as long as the generators are running, the animals should be okay.
“As long as we have fuel in our generators, that aquarium can run on its own.”
Advancing fire forces the evacuation of a Gatlinburg, Tennessee, aquarium, but 1,500 animals are still inside. https://t.co/Q9mDIexuhm
— CNN Breaking News (@cnnbrk) November 29, 2016
DeSear said the more than 10,000 animals left behind can survive for 24 hours without human intervention. Early Tuesday afternoon, aquarium officials confirmed that the animals were safe.
Our team of Marine Biologists and Life Support Experts inside the Aquarium are happy to report the animals are safe. https://t.co/jSxG8tP1nT
— Ripley's Aquarium TN (@RipleysAquaGAT) November 29, 2016
‘Incredibly Sad’
Residents of Gatlinburg and surrounding communities were in shock Tuesday morning, dealing with the loss of much of their town. Sharon Pfohl, a resident of nearby Sevierville, was on vacation when news of the fire hit:
“[I’m] incredibly sad and a bit shocked. History changes but it’s sad when you feel a small part of it. I left without taking [my grandson] Jared to the haunted house one more time. Now I wonder if it’s still standing… Jared, [granddaughter] Ivy and I had annual pass to Ripley’s attractions and got a lot of use out of them!”
Country singer Dolly Parton spoke out about her famed Pigeon Forge tourist attraction, Dollywood, and the heartbreaking effects of the fires. The theme park was untouched by the fires, but several Smoky Mountain Resort cabins on the property were destroyed.
“I have been watching the terrible fires in the Great Smoky Mountains and I am heartbroken… I am praying for all the families affected by the fire and the firefighters who are working so hard to keep everyone safe. It is a blessing that my Dollywood theme park, the DreamMore Resort and so many businesses in Pigeon Forge have been spared.”
Update: Tragic news from NBC states that the fires that swept through Eastern Tennessee Monday night and Tuesday morning have claimed three lives. The bodies of three people were found in Sevier county, after the flames were extinguished. Fourteen people have been transported to local hospitals, and authorities fear that toll could rise as they make their way through the hundreds of buildings destroyed by the fire.
Here’s a heart-stopping video of one resident escaping the flames – warning, the language is graphic, and NSFW:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cN-iFZVgzHM
Featured Image: Screenshot Via Twitter.
