Hatcher Mtn. Wildfire 100% Contained

The Hatcher Mountain Wildfire is now 100% contained. But, now comes the work of rebuilding. County officials say now that the fire destroyed less than 300 structures. Sevier County Vice Mayor Bryan McCarter says damages are expected to be well into tens of millions of dollars. He says it’s still unknown how many of the destroyed structures were primary homes, rental properties, or second homes. McCarter says that for the most part, the only people that would qualify for federal funds would be those who had their primary home destroyed. McCarter says they are gathering that data so they can present it to TEMA on Friday so they can begin applying for grant money. McCarter also says they hope to have the wildfire declared a disaster so that FEMA could get involved and that would open up the opportunity for more funds. Federal funds would help those who were not insured. McCarter says they are prepared for this to be a lengthy process.