GATLINBURG/PIGEON FORGE, Tenn.
Although rain has provided some relief to Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, Tenn., a popular tourism region, wildfires are still reported to be active and pose a threat for those in the Great Smoky Mountains area.
The fires, which hit Gatlinburg especially hard, were attributed to a mix of weather conditions most suitable for the spread of wildfires. According to The Washington Post, the tourist region is experiencing its “hottest and driest autumn on record,” now agitated by strong winds, downed trees and fallen live power lines.
According to news reports from the area, more than 150 buildings have been destroyed in the Tennessee region affected by the fire. Nearly four dozen people have been injured in the fires, with fatalities still being reported.
Meetings Today reached out to the Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge CVBs for an update on the situation. While we understandably did not receive a response from those in Gatlinburg (14,000 residents were told to evacuate the area yesterday), the Pigeon Forge CVB provided the following statement via email yesterday afternoon:
“Weather conditions in Pigeon Forge are much improved,” said Pigeon Forge Executive Director of Tourism Leon Downey. “We’re thankful to our first responders who took such great care of our residents and guests.
"One group, Mountain Top Conference, was scheduled at the Smoky Mountain Resort & Convention Center in Pigeon Forge for Tuesday morning at 10:30 a.m.," he continued in response to if anyone was holding an event in the area. "The meeting was moved to the Hatfield & McCoy Dinner Feud theatre with no interruptions.”
Here’s the latest update on the fires via ABC News and the Associated Press.
