Wildfires in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains have affected many areas of Sevier County, Tennessee including Dolly Parton’s Dollywood theme part and resort in Pigeon Forge, TN. As the cities continue to assess the damage and impact of the fires, Dollywood has suspended park operation for Wednesday, November 30th and Thursday, December 1st.
“I have been watching the terrible fires in the Great Smoky Mountains and I am heartbroken,” Dolly Parton states. “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.”
“I am praying for all the families affected by the fire and the firefighters who are working so hard to keep everyone safe.”
On Monday night (Nov 28th), resort staff evacuated families in 50 rooms staying at Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort and families staying in 19 cabins at Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Cabins, due to safety concerns.
Due to community firefighters and first responders, Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort is once again open to guests. The Dollywood theme park will resume normal operation on Friday, December 2nd at 2 pm ET.
The wildfires began Monday (Nov 28th) and have damaged or destroyed hundreds of buildings in and near Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge within 24 hours, according to CNN. National Park Service spokeswoman Dana Soehn states that the blaze was “human caused” and claims the fires are under investigation, but would not elaborate.
Roughly 15,000 acres have been scorched with more than 250 structures having been damaged as of Tuesday night. Three people have died due to the fires.
