Fires Rage In Gatlinburg And The Smoky Mountains

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You all know just how much Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge mean to Clay and me. If not, it’s not really something I can express. It’s just, well, it’s our “safe place”. We spend as much time there as possible. It is our home away from home, our place of solace, relaxation and a place to rejuvenate as a family.

We are truly heartbroken for the folks in these counties who have been affected by the fires. I’ve cried off and on all day today thinking about the families and business men and women who have been displaced. The animals and scenery and lives that are changed forever! I never expected a place to mean so much to me. Having such strong emotions for something that really doesn’t affect me might seem strange but I can’t help myself. I am filled with so much sadness right now.

Here is some footage courtesy of LEX18, our local news station. This footage is copyright to them and shared from the embed code on Facebook. No infringement intended. I just wanted to give you all a glimpse of the devastation in and around Gatlinburg, TN at this time.

We offer up prayers for the residents, guests, firefighters, first respondents, etc. Please keep them all in your thoughts and prayers as well. In this time when we are all celebrating Thanksgiving, Christmas and numerous other Holidays, these folks will be starting over. I ask that you join me (Crystal) in lifting them all up in prayer.

Heavenly Father, I ask you, today, for rain, cessation of fire and winds, safety and peace and comfort during this time for everyone affected by the devastating fires in and around Gatlinburg. Heavenly Father, I ask that you will continue to be with these people as the seek to rebuild what was physically lost. Please guide them and Bless them in all they do. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.

There are many places where folks can offer support, donations, etc… Visit the Knoxville CBS affiliate Local 8 (livestream) for more info on how to help. This post gives some great info: https://www.local8now.com/content/news/Gatlinburg-wildfire-relief-How-you-can-help-403572686.html

Local 8 on Facebook

About Crystal Martin

Hi! I’m Crystal Martin, a stay at home mom of 4, living in KY with my high school sweetheart husband of 20+ years. My husband and I are co-bloggers at Cinnamon Hollow where we write about homesteading, travel, beauty, our lives with our kids and pets, fun and free printables as well as the products and services that make our lives just a little bit easier – and a lot more fun!

Comments

shannon says

November 29, 2016 at 8:47 pm

The Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge area is my home away from home and the Smokies are my sanctuary. My heart is hurting for the people of Sevier County and for everything that has been lost. But at the same time I offer up thanks for all that was spared. There for awhile I was afraid all of Gatlinburg would be lost. Thank God it finally rained. My prayers go out for the injured, those who lost homes and jobs, and for those who lost loved ones. Its just a terrible tragedy for a town that has always made me feel welcome.

- Cinnamon Hollow says
  
  November 30, 2016 at 11:39 am
  
  Hi Shannon,
  
  I feel the same way. It’s hard to wrap my mind around what all happened but at the same time I am so thankful for everything that was left untouched or barely touched. So much was lost but so much was spared. I’ve been checking every hour for updates on the missing. There have been conflicting reports on the Reed family and a few others. And now they are dealing with small rock and mud slides. It is so heartbreaking.