Downtown Gatlinburg under mandatory evacuation order due to wildfire.

[Liberty Belle]

So terrible! We honeymooned there and go every few years. The park is beautiful and the downtown area is so jam-packed. I just can't imagine.

 

[Hikergirl]

I can't believe the videos that I've seen, its so awful. Gatlinburg is one of my favorite places.
My thoughts are with the people there, hope you are safe.

 

[Wishing on a star]

I think I saw the Ober Gatlinburg is okay.
I am wondering if they even have power too.

I would trust local and informed sources... not CNN.

Phone service, especially Verizon which is big in the area, is an issue. I think that they have been telling people in the area to stay off devices unless really necessary.
I think people are kicking in, asking for pet crates, cages, food, etc... too... for all of the pets!

 

[Tasha228]

I have been so upset following this. Gatlinburg is dear to many people in my area's hearts, including my own. Dh and I married and honeymooned there in January. Praying for all that this will and has affected!!!

 

[luvsJack]

Ds and DD were married in the little white chapel that burned.

Glad Ober Gatlingburg is ok for now. There are so many conflicting reports, even with the more local stations. A school that several in my community have ties to was reported burned by some and safe by others. Still don't know which is correct.

Its just so horrible to imagine. Read from one news station on FB that some people are trapped in valley. Not sure where exactly. Their homes were not burning but the way out of the valley was on fire or surrounded by fire and burning/falling trees.

 

[Hikergirl]

I just saw a video of 2 men driving down the mountain and they were surrounded by fire. Its amazing they made it down safely.

 

[Shutterbug]

I'm in tears over this.

BUT, Ober Gatlinburg just posted on their social media page that they were OK. Hopefully the report that they are gone is incorrect.

Thanks for the update. CNN has changed the article to reflect that. CNN had got the previous report about Ober from Tennessee Emergency Management.

 

[Shmily1]

This is heartbreaking for all the families and all the animals in the woods there. We loved to go there and made great memories there.

 

[Airship Ariadne]

We only had a morning to see parts of the national park there and it is sad to think that so much of that beautiful park is in danger, we wanted to return someday to camp. i feel for those who have their lives and businesses threatened...it is sad on so many levels.

 

[Tasha228]

Mysterious Mansion has confirmed on their FB page that the mansion was destroyed in the fire. I really enjoyed it there and this whole thing is making my heart hurt.

 

[LilyWDW]

I am in shock. I lived in East Tennessee for nearly 14 years before I moved where I am now. I spent a LOT of time in the Sevierville/Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge area so I know it well. And to hear about the places that are now just gone... I can't wrap my head around it. Park Vista Hotel... gone. Hillybilly Golf... gone. Homes and other businesses... just gone.

 

[LilyWDW]

Mysterious Mansion has confirmed on their FB page that the mansion was destroyed in the fire. I really enjoyed it there and this whole thing is making my heart hurt.

Nooo....

 

[Tasha228]

Nooo....

Yes, and Eight Gables Inn says it has been reported that fire could be seen in the vicinity of the inn but they can't confirm anything. How sickening to not even know. I really love Eight Gables and am praying it makes it through. I'm also praying for the aquarium and all the animals. I'm praying for the whole town but those animals...makes my heart hurt thinking about it!

 

[LilyWDW]

Yes, and Eight Gables Inn says it has been reported that fire could be seen in the vicinity of the inn but they can't confirm anything. How sickening to not even know. I really love Eight Gables and am praying it makes it through. I'm also praying for the aquarium and all the animals. I'm praying for the whole town but those animals...makes my heart hurt thinking about it!

I want to cry because of I just keep remembering the times I spent in the area and at these places and now they are just gone. It's hard to think about and believe. Especially since I am only getting bits and pieces as I no longer live in the area but still have some connections there. I feel ill almost.

 

[Shutterbug]

Hillybilly Golf... gone. Homes and other businesses... just gone.

That is where I introduced a gf to miniature golf. She never ever played it before until I took her there.

Actually she had never ever been out of the city before. When I took her to The Smoky Mtns was her first exposure to the big ole outdoors and the wilds.

 

[tarheelmjfan]

I am in shock. I lived in East Tennessee for nearly 14 years before I moved where I am now. I spent a LOT of time in the Sevierville/Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge area so I know it well. And to hear about the places that are now just gone... I can't wrap my head around it. Park Vista Hotel... gone. Hillybilly Golf... gone. Homes and other businesses... just gone.

Is Park Vista completely destroyed? DH asked me about it, when he heard about the fire this morning. It holds a very special place in our hearts. Thanks to a stay at PV many years ago we now have a 24 yr. old. This is heartbreaking.

 

[Tasha228]

I want to cry because of I just keep remembering the times I spent in the area and at these places and now they are just gone. It's hard to think about and believe. Especially since I am only getting bits and pieces as I no longer live in the area but still have some connections there. I feel ill almost.

I feel ill over it too. I've never lived there but have vacationed there. And we were married and honeymooned there. We only live about 7 or 8 hrs away so we've done weekend trips. I am at work trying but I keep checking to see any updates.

 

[Tasha228]

Westgate Resort has conflicting reports but I'm hearing most of it has been destroyed. BUT, some good news, Ripley's Aquarium just posted. They were able to get marine biologists in there and they are fine, as are the animals!

 

[JimMIA]

Is Park Vista completely destroyed? DH asked me about it, when he heard about the fire this morning. It holds a very special place in our hearts. Thanks to a stay at PV many years ago we now have a 24 yr. old. This is heartbreaking.

I read several places that it was, but there are so many conflicting reports, who knows? The Hilton Park Vista is a 16-story hotel!

Also heard that the 100-building Westgate timeshare resort was completely destroyed.

Still waiting to hear about the Wyndham Great Smoky Mountains resort -- that's our home resort.

 

[Liberty Belle]

This is heartbreaking for all the families and all the animals in the woods there. We loved to go there and made great memories there.

Ugh - hadn't even thought of all the wildlife (not sure why, I love wildlife!).