The fires in Pigeon Forge are almost out tonight thanks to heavy rain in Tennessee on Monday. According to a March 18 report on CNN.com, only five acres were still burning tonight, and some firefighters finally got to get some rest. A small crew remained on duty to monitor the hot spots.
Before the rain came to their aid, the firefighters had a difficult day. High wind was interfering with the work of the Black Hawk helicopters from the National Guard that were trying to dump water on the quickly spreading fire. There were more people evacuated from 15-20 homes today in addition to 150 people last night. The Red Cross has set up a shelter in the Pigeon Forge Community Center, and hotels are also providing free lodging for the evacuees of the fires in Pigeon Forge.
According to the Clarion Ledger, over 60 cabins and over 160 acres have burned in the fires in Pigeon Forge since they started Sunday afternoon. Pigeon Forge Fire Chief described the situation earlier today as “real dangerous,” due to exploding propane tanks. The arrival of heavy rains was perfectly timed to avert what had become an emergency situation.
One person told CNN News that the area looked like a bomb had exploded there. No serious injuries have been reported.
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