Tennessee on fire. Resort town of Gatlinburg

[Kimberly]

I'm not sure how many have heard about this but this past Monday 17,000 acres of the Great Smoky Mountains burned within a few hours. Over 1000 structures gone and last count 17 are dead but 100s still missing. We have been in a sevier drought levels this year and very dry. Because of this there is a burn ban state wide. Monday morning a person up in the smoky mountains decided to light a small campfire. The winds Monday in that area was at hurricane strength winds. Sustained winds of 90 mph. Needless to say it got away from him and the dryness caused it to spread very quickly. They described it as a blowing storm of fire devasting everything it touched. Others said large fireballs were shooting through the sky. Most did get out but some couldn't. People staying in cabins in the mountain just didn't have time to come down. Gatlinburg was completely shut down evaluated from Monday until yesterday. Only rescue, fire, police and Red Cross workers were allowed in until yesterday. For five hours home owners, business owners and guest that were staying there were allowed back in. Here are some pictures I have found online. It truly looks like a war zone.