East Tennessee Wildfires Threaten Dolly Parton’s Dollywood Theme Park

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As wildfires rage through East Tennessee’s Smoky Mountains, many of the area’s residents and guests have been forced to evacuate. In a scene that has been described as chaos, roads in and out of the resort towns of Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge are packed as people flee the fires and smoke blanketing the area.

Save our beautiful mountains ?#Gatlinburg pic.twitter.com/RqvOhwuVTL

— Everything TN (@Everything_TN) November 29, 2016

Workers at Dollywood, the theme park owned by country music star Dolly Parton, were helping firefighters keep flames away from the park. So far, no damage has been reported at the park, although guests staying in rooms at Dolly’s DreamMore Resort and Dolly’s Smoky Mountain Cabins were evacuated.

On Sunday, the Division of Forestry’s website stated that the majority of the wildfires were 100% contained, but Monday brought high winds that only made the situation worse. At least two inches of rain is expected in the area Monday and Tuesday nights, so residents are praying that the precipitation will bring an end to the wildfire devastation surrounding their community. 

Praying All get out safe
and the rain comes soon to that area.
Park Vista Hotel from FB. #Gatlinburg TN #wildfires pic.twitter.com/eVc38PI5tt

— Randy Perkins (@randyperkins65) November 29, 2016

“If you’re a person of prayer, we could use your prayers,” Gatlinburg Fire Chief Greg Miller said during a Monday morning press conference, as reported by CNN.com.

At press time, at least 30 structures in Gatlinburg were burning, including a 16-story hotel and apartments. Park officials said that the fire began November 23 and appears to be the result of arson. 

Join us in praying for all affected by the wildfires in East Tennessee.