Sevier County Wildfire Now 1,000 Acres

That wildfire in Sevier County has continued to grow at a rapid rate. To give you an idea of just how much it has grown…that fire had consumed 30 acres as of yesterday afternoon at 3pm. By this morning at 4am…that fire was at 1,000 acres. The evacuation area has also increased as 35 structures have now been destroyed by the fire. Many other homes are in danger from the wildfire. The evacuations now go basically from Pigeon Forge to the Blount County line. The evacuation area goes from Cove Mountain to the south up north to near Chapman Highway. US 321, Wears Valley Road is closed from Pigeon Forge to the Blount County Line. Fire crews were hoping that rain moving through overnight would help, but those rain showers have for the most part fizzled out. The winds have not. Windy conditions are expected to continue today with gusts up to over 30mph at times. Shelters have opened for evacuees in Pigeon Forge, Seymour and Sevierville. Fire officials are pleading with the public to stay away from that area as onlookers just interfere with evacuation and firefighting efforts.