Chimney Tops 2 Fire Review 2016

During the final week of November 2016, a fire began within Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Due to unusual drought conditions across the Southeast Region of the country, wildland vegetation was susceptible to fire, with a number of fires burning throughout the fall fire season. Initially, the fire in the park was not considered a threat to civilian life or property as firefighters in the park engaged the fire. On the afternoon of November 28, a severe wind event struck the region. These winds exacerbated the fire’s spread and dramatically altered the threat to the adjacent Gatlinburg area. With wildfire approaching Gatlinburg from the park, and new fire ignitions within the city limits caused by downed powerlines from the heavy winds, firefighters struggled to contain the fires. Ultimately, 14 lives were lost, many were injured, and up to $2 billion in property was damaged or destroyed, though figures provided vary widely depending on the source.

Structure Protection, Fire Behavior, Large Fire