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| Gatlinburg last night around 11 p.m. |
However, we're asking for your prayers for the evacuees from Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge. And also for the firefighters and other personnel. The fires have jumped from ridge to ridge. We did get some rain last night, which helped, but the fires are still burning. The rain has moved out, though, and the sun is out, again. Again, prayers please.
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| On the Spur between Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge |
As of 9:30 a.m. EST on the news they are saying no reports of fatalities, a MIRACLE.
Update: Five people are unaccounted for.
Some hotels have burned, but there's no reliable assessment available yet. The news footage is not encouraging, but we know you're interested as we are.
FINAL UPDATE:
Officials: 13 dead, 85 injured from devastating Sevier Co. wildfires
http://www.local8now.com/content/news/Great-Smoky-Mountains-National-Park-issues-air-quality-advisory-403402976.html
EDIT: 12/1/16:7 dead, 74 injured, over 400 buildings damaged from devastating Sevier Co. fires
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| Source: Knoxville News-Sentinel |
Raining. Thank the Lord!
Update 11/29/16:
TEMA: More than 100 buildings destroyed; 1,400 evacuated
Earlier I told you Ober Gatlinburg is gone since our news had broadcast that it was completely burned.EDIT: TEMA said earlier that Ober Gatlinburg is gone, but now reports say it's still there.
We simply must wait for the final assessment.
Even the news stations are asking for your prayers.
Here's the link to our local station with live feed:
http://wate.com/ ...such as it is....
EDIT: I know this post is not very forthcoming, but I was urged by a couple of readers to post what I could. The truth is we are sitting, glued to the news and Facebook hoping for reliable news, as everyone else is.
http://wate.com/2016/11/29/gatlinburg-father-searches-for-wife-daughters-after-fire/
Thank you for your prayers!
And please, please remember:
I'm so glad to hear that you're safe, at least for now. I had just sent you an email before I discovered your post. It looks so bad there. My heart aches for all of you who live there and others, like us, who love to visit the area.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Linda. It's extremely sad, but there are yet no reports of fatalities so we are praying the unaccounted for will soon be located. Please keep the area in your prayers.
DeleteGlad you are safe, Toni. Since I don't have a TV. I wasn't aware of the fires. How sad! Of course we will keep you and all in your area in our prayers.
ReplyDeleteCourage!
Jane
Thank you, Jane. We don't have a TV, either. We get all our news on the computer & Facebook. I don't do FB officially, but it was helpful last night since some folks took their own videos and shared. They said the temperature in street in Gatlinburg last night got up to 120 degrees F at one point. I hear the firefighters are worn out.
DeleteThank you for your prayers!
Oh wow! Bless the firemen. There certainly are some courageous people in the world. Comcast finally reported the fires. Too busy with recount news and Kayne West. Boy! If I could ever find another internet provider, Comcast would be out the door in a New York second!
DeleteHugs
Jane
I hear that! We have Comcast, also, but I don't even bring up their page, ever. FEMA finally showed up, and 3 Black Hawk
Deletehelicopters are helping with dumping water on the fires. Still the fires rage. It's really warm today so we're hoping the rains come again as they are saying they will.
I'm glad you're safe! We've just had some fires around here as well, there are no words to describe the horror of it.
ReplyDeleteAmalia
xo
That's true, Amalia, there are no words.
DeleteGlad to hear you are safe. I feel so badly for the people who are in the area of the fire. Watching the destruction on the news is heartbreaking :(
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by Sandra. I believe it's under control now as we've had several inches of rain in the past 12 hours.
DeleteHello, first I am glad you are safe. I will pray for all in the area of Gatlinburg and the Smokey Mtn Nat'l park. I feel sorry for all those who have lost their homes and the animals. Thanks for the update.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your prayers, Eileen! It's really sad as some people are not accounted for yet.
DeleteSending prayers! Glad to hear you are okay.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Laurie. It's been a surreal nightmare for the folks involved in every aspect of the fires, but thankfully the 4 inches rain yesterday gave much needed relief.
DeleteSo glad to hear you are safe. This devastation is just so heart wrenching...the images just make me ill. We spent our Christmas in Gatlinburg last year and it is just so unbelievable that this is happening. Prayers for your continued safety and for the rains to help extinguish these horrible flames.
ReplyDeleteHeart wrenching, indeed, Debby. Thank you for your prayers. It could have been much worse than it was.
DeleteMy sweet friend, I am so glad you're safe, but oh how my heart goes out to these dear people. Praying for your safety and for blessed rain!
ReplyDeleteHugs to you!
Thank you for your prayers, Stephanie.
DeleteI had no idea of the wildfires in you area! I am so sorry to hear about them and all the casualties and at the same time, glad to know you're safe. Sending a big hug your way. Keeping you in my prayers.
ReplyDeleteToni, so glad that you weren't near the fires! When i was growing up, we went to Gatlinburg EVERY July on vaction. I have many wonderful memories there, so it's hard to think it's not the same place anymore.
ReplyDeleteHope everything is fine now. Hope the fire is in control.. glad to know that you are safe...7 years back I visited Gatlinburg.. it was very nice picturesque town...
ReplyDeletePlease visit: http://from-a-girls-mind.blogspot.com
ReplyDeleteSo devasting! We were there back in August and visit often as it is just 3 1/2 hours from our home. Glad you are safe!
ReplyDeleteYes, it's been horrific, Kelleyn, but hope and caring are helping heal the scars. I was just looking to see if you have a blog, but I couldn't find it if you do. Please give me a link if you have one. Thanks!
DeleteOh my goodness! I have been busy with family and am late in reading! Thank God you are all okay in your home and for the courageous people who helped to fight this fire! Sending a warm embrace your way!
ReplyDelete