Gatlinburg & Pigeon Forge Wildfire Response - December 2, 2016

We wanted to address some comments and questions we have received regarding the wildfires.

Here are the facts:

Over one hundred Red Cross workers are on the ground in Gatlinburg and surrounding areas to provide support and response to a devastating forest fire that has destroyed homes and forced the evacuations of thousands of people.

This is a difficult time for many families. Red Cross volunteers have opened shelters, and are providing meals, relief supplies and other assistance. Health workers are helping to replace needed items like prescription medications and eyeglasses, and Red Cross disaster mental health workers are helping people cope.

With regard to the generous donations of clothing and goods from the public, we are working in close partnership with community organizations to distribute these items. Everything that has been generously donated at shelters will stay in the community and is being brought to a central distribution point for those in need. Local officials are encouraging people to call 866-586-4483 for questions about donations or other issues.

Items can be dropped off or picked up at the central distribution point at Boyds Bear, 149 Cates Lane, Pigeon Forge.