2016 Tennessee Wildfires One-Year Update | November 2017

Red Cross Provides Relief and Comfort to Survivors Following Devastating Wildfires 

On the evening of November 28, 2016, raging wildfires— whipped by winds up to 80 mph—forced thousands of people to flee from their homes in the Great Smoky Mountains, including residents of the towns of Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge and Sevierville, Tennessee. The devastation was heartbreaking. Over 2,000 houses and other structures were destroyed by fast-moving blazes in the Gatlinburg area alone.

The American Red Cross immediately sprang into action to support residents impacted by this tragic destruction, mobilizing more than 450 volunteers and employees from all over the country. We helped open shelters and evacuation centers where people displaced from their homes—some with beloved pets—found respite from the disaster.

To view the full one-year update, please click here.