Tennessee Governor declares state of emergency
In a Thursday statement, Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam [link url=”https://www.tn.gov/governor/” title=”declared a state of emergency”] that suspended state laws and eased other requirements in an effort to expedite assistance to victims recently affected by the deadly wildfires and storms that have impacted the state.
Some of the benefits of the state of emergency declaration allow the fees for state identification cards and driver licenses to be waived for victims, and permits medical professionals licensed outside the state of Tennessee to assist victims.
Destructive wildfires
On Monday, deadly wildfires ripped through the popular tourist destination of Gatlinburg in the state, destroying nearly 1,000 homes and businesses. The destruction included the popular Westgate’s Smokey Mountain Resort.
The rapidly spreading wildfires forced the evacuation of thousands of people from both Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge in eastern Tennessee on Monday night and Tuesday, as local fire fighters and others from around the state fought to protect homes and structures.
Officials are reporting more then a dozen structures are on fire, including one of the largest hotels in #Gatlinburg #PrayForRain pic.twitter.com/nJKNzKa88y
— Jen (@TN_Girl_4_Life) November 29, 2016
National Guard provides support
To support the city, on Tuesday, about 120 members of the [link url=”http://www.nationalguard.mil/News/Article-View/Article/1014982/tennessee-army-national-guard-assists-in-wildfire-response/” title=”National Guard”] began assisting local emergency management officials with efforts that include transportation of first responders, light debris removal, and health and welfare checks of residents.
“We’re mountain tough, and have a strong, strong faith in God.” — [link url=”https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/post-nation/wp/2016/11/30/its-devastating-death-toll-rises-in-tennessee-wildfires/?utm_term=.9c35d4373e79″ title=”Mike Werner”], Mayor of Gatlinburg.
Winds whip through mountains, carrying embers, sparking fires
The death toll from what are being touted as historic fires [link url=”https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/post-nation/wp/2016/11/30/its-devastating-death-toll-rises-in-tennessee-wildfires/?utm_term=.9c35d4373e79″ title=”has now reached 13 victims”]. And the numbered injured has risen to more than 80 people.
The massive wildfires spread rapidly due to hurricane force winds exceeding 90 mph on Monday that carried embers to the area from the nearby Chimney Tops 2 fire reportedly started on November 23, but sparked other fires when it toppled power lines.
Officials expect the death toll to rise as search and rescue efforts for people still considered missing continue across the area.
Gatlinburg Mayor Mike Werner said the city is going to reopen the main roads into town, with some exceptions, for property owners and residents on Friday to let them assess damages and give them their first look at the devastation caused by the fires.
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