(0)“I saw what looked like snow, so I put my hand out and the small flake fell into my hand. I realized it was ash. I would have never thought that within a few hours I would be without my home. My belongings were reduced to ashes. I’m just grateful to have survived.” – 2016 Gatlinburg Fire Survivor
On Monday, November 28, 2016, a firestorm spread across Gatlinburg, claiming 14 lives, injuring 134 people, and destroying over 2,000 structures. Sprouting from Chimney Tops II, a summit in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and traveling via rising 40-mile-per-hour winds towards businesses and homes, the deadly wildfire called for mandatory evacuations. With cell towers down and sirens resounding, firefighters and police officers heroically took to the streets, knocking on doors and announcing evacuation plans over car speakers. Thanks to their brave efforts, over 14,000 people escaped not only Tennessee’s deadliest wildfire in the last century but also one of the largest natural disasters in the state’s history.
2016 Firestorm Timeline
Atop Chimney Tops II, an acre-size fire develops on November 23, catching the attention of 2 local firefighters. With night steadily approaching and rough terrain all around, suppression efforts could not be done safely. The next day, 5 firefighters set out to investigate and create a plan of action to tackle the flames. After determining direct attacks were impossible, a natural barrier was utilized to contain the now 2-3 acre fire. Continuing to grow at a slow rate, the fire appeared controllable; however, on November 27, wind gusts of 40+ miles per hour carried the blaze beyond the expected boundaries…scattering spot fires, which would eventually mature into the deadliest firestorm within the last 100 years in Tennessee — on November 28, 2016.
Between 11:45 a.m. and 1:07 p.m., all manpower and resources from the Gatlinburg Fire Department, the Sevierville Fire Department, and the Pigeon Forge Fire Department were sent to the scene of the encroaching wildfire; the Wildland Task Force was activated; the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency was notified; the American Red Cross was placed on standby; and the fire had almost tripled in size. While some attempts to trap and douse the spreading spot fires were successful, many of the fires (around 20 sprung up in less than 25 minutes) had grown too large, and with the winds defiantly picking up (some gusts even reached 90 miles per hour, fanning the flames up to 40 feet high), the firestorm reached the City of Gatlinburg by 6:06 p.m. Even with fire departments from across the state lending their aid and crews from across the country on their way, a voluntary evacuation was issued at 4:08 p.m., a mandatory evacuation announcement was given at 6:27 p.m. for specific areas, and a final mandatory evacuation was sent out at 8:20 p.m.
Evacuation Efforts
Accompanied by the solemn voice of Assistant Fire Chief Charlie Cole relaying, “Anyone who can hear this message, evacuate the area immediately,” the spine-chilling sirens reverberated throughout Gatlinburg. Some received the warning in time, but for others, the message arrived too late. With no power, lost cell service, trees down, screams all around, flames within sight, and smoke clouding the air, panic was certainly widespread, and evacuating everyone seemed almost impossible. That night, 14 precious lives were lost, 134 people were injured, and 14,000 were successfully evacuated.
Finally, around 3:30 a.m. on November 29, the long-awaited rains poured in, slowing the blaze. Continuing to burn for almost 2 more weeks, the wildfire was eventually snuffed out on Friday, December 9, 2016, thanks to the assistance of 780 firefighting personnel and was officially announced extinguished by Sevier County Mayor Larry Waters on December 13. While the aftermath was certainly grim with about 16,000 acres scorched, $1 billion in damages, and a prediction of 18 months until full recovery, not only the people of Gatlinburg but also their fellow Americans stepped up to help the city thrive once more.
Recovery Begins
Evacuation centers were quickly formed at major local establishments, such as Rocky Top Sports World and the Gatlinburg Community Center, providing a place to mourn and recuperate together as a community. Churches in the area began holding support groups and collecting offerings for those in need, and multiple charities donated time and supplies to the cause. Financially, TEMA (Tennessee Emergency Management Agency) along with FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) provided significant funding for the city to recover and rebuild.
Emitting genuine kindness, nationwide aid as well as support from neighboring communities helped the fire victims move towards recovery. More than $9 million was raised by December 9 through The Smoky Mountain Wildfires Telethon, featuring country music stars Dolly Parton (a native to the Great Smoky Mountains), Brad Paisley, and Kenny Chesney to name a few. After creating the My People Fund a mere 48 hours after the firestorm struck, Dolly hosted the Smoky Mountains Rise Telethon on December 13 to increase awareness and gather donations. With a combined $12 million raised, Mrs. Parton distributed around $9 million over 6 months via checks to 875 Gatlinburg residents as well as other affected Sevier County locals. Displaying pure human compassion, efforts would continue throughout the nation and State of Tennessee to provide additional funds to bring this treasured city back to life.
Mountain Tough
Coined by Gatlinburg Mayor Mike Werner, “Mountain Tough” symbolizes the strength and perseverance of the citizens of Gatlinburg. After losing so much, the local people came together, lending helping hands and listening ears to fire victims throughout the city. From clearing scorched yards and chain sawing downed trees to providing homecooked meals and opening their homes, neighbors became family. Many even took off work to help remove debris and rebuild the affected areas of the city. Embodying the spirit of the Gatlinburg people and providing counseling and financial services, the Mountain Tough Recovery Team was founded to provide continued assistance to those adversely affected by the wildfire. Forming a partnership, Dolly Parton donated the leftover $3 million from her fundraisers to support the mission of this warm-hearted team.
The Voices of Gatlinburg
Realizing the devastating impact of the Gatlinburg Fire, Jeremy Cowart (a Nashville-based photographer) and his close friends wanted not only to raise awareness but also to bring healing to the people. Utilizing his artistic talents, an idea soon spoke to him. Shortly after, with special permission from Mayor Warner, Cowart and his volunteer camera crew traveled to victims’ homes and businesses to begin photographing the blackened properties with a contrasting white mattress in an effort to share the heart-wrenching stories of the people, thus giving them a voice…a way to heal. Now displayed along the Forest Memorial Interpretive Trail at the summit of Anakeesta Mountain, these photos will forever serve as the Voices of Gatlinburg. At the end of the trail, a simple windchime resonates through the mountains in remembrance of the brave souls who fought, the precious lives lost, and the survivors who rallied together to restore this great city.
How YOU Can Help…Gatlinburg Today
Rising from the ashes of the devastating 2016 Gatlinburg Fire, the city has recovered significantly: homes have been rebuilt, original businesses have recovered, the national park (less than 10% was affected) is flourishing, and new attractions have moved in, such as Anakeesta and Alcatraz East. Today, the City of Gatlinburg is alive and thriving, and tourism has played a major role in its recovery. As stated by Mayor Warner, “If you really want to do something for Gatlinburg, come back and visit us,” so pack your bags and head for Gatlinburg to see the beauty of the Smokies and the smiles of the local people.