As fires rage out of control in the Gatlinberg and Pigeon Forge areas in East Tennessee, forced evacuations are in effect for residents and businesses alike, with many tourist attractions threatened by the flames. One of the region’s biggest attractions is Dollywood. Located in Pigeon Forge, Dollywood, named for country star Dolly Parton, is a driving source of the local economy. While the theme park itself was not destroyed, fire damaged more than a dozen cabins managed by the theme park while families staying in the the park’s 50-room DreamMoore Resort, in addition to those in 19 other cabins on the premises, had to be evacuated.
In a cruel twist of fate, just hours before the outbreak of fires, Dolly Parton released a public service announcement with Smokey the Bear warning about forest fires.
As the fury of Mother Nature unfurls and firefighters continue to battle the flames against sustained winds of 20-30 mph and 80mph gusts, Parton issued a heartfelt statement about the disaster.
“I have been watching the terrible fires in the Great Smoky Mountains and I am heartbroken. I am praying for all the families affected by the fire and the firefighters who are working so hard to keep everyone safe. It is a blessing that my Dollywood theme park, the DreamMore Resort and so many businesses in Pigeon Forge have been spared.”
Another attraction causing great concern for the public and officials alike is Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies. Flames came within 50 yards of the main structure last night, forcing all employees to evacuate, largely due to the smoke. According to Tennessee Ripley Attractions General Manager Ryan DeSear, typically a minimal team would be left in place to care for the more than 10,000 animals in residence, some of which are endangered species, but due to the severity of the fire, all personnel were ordered by officials to leave. DeSear monitored the Aquarium throughout the night via the park’s web camera, which is still operating as of this morning, “a good sign” according to DeSear. Speaking last night, DeSear noted that as long as the building had power and didn’t catch fire, the animals should be safe. With the web camera still operational as of the past hour, it is indicative that the power has not gone out. Speaking with NBC affiliate WBIR, according to DeSear, thanks to the design of the facility, “As long as we have fuel in our generators, that aquarium can run on its own” and the animals can survive for 24 hours without human intervention. As of 11:53 am ET, Ripley’s posted to Facebook that “all animals at the aquarium are safe.” We await confirmation once employees are permitted back in the facillity.
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