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Dollywood Evacuated as Wildfires Rage

Flames getting closer to the heart of Smoky Mountains.

Cabins at Dollywood were evacuated Monday night as Tennessee’s wildfires grew dangerously close to the Pigeon Forge amusement park in the heart of the Smoky Mountains, a representative told ABC News. Gatlinburg and several surrounding towns received mandatory evacuation orders as firefighters struggled to contain the 14 separate wildfires that burned around the region. The fires were so out of control that the town’s fire chief called on residents to pray. As of Monday night, Dollywood itself was not on fire but Dollywood media director Pete Owens said the flames were quickly approaching. “We have fire crews on the parking lot working with our team to protect structures. There is fire on the ridge near the park,” Owens told ABC 7 News. The Tennessee Emergency Management Agency said the fire was right on the edge of Dollywood property and that about 30 structures had caught fire in the area.

Wildfires Close In On Heart of Tennessee (Photos)