Fire Update

11/29/2016

Great Smoky Mountains News Release

Release Date:         November 29, 2016, 5:57 p.m.

Contact:       Dana Soehn, Dana_Soehn@nps.gov
                Molly Schroer, Molly_Schroer@nps.gov

LeConte Lodge and Elkmont Undamaged by Fire

Great Smoky Mountains National Park officials have announced that LeConte Lodge, the popular backcountry lodging facility at the base of Mount LeConte, and the Elkmont Campground and Historic Districts sustained no damage from the fire activities in the park on Monday evening. Some Elkmont buildings sustained roof damage from falling trees caused by heavy winds, and some roof repairs will be required.

The fires in the park and Gatlinburg community have now collectively been estimated to total over 15,000 acres. Tomorrow, November 30, the park will turn the fire management operation to the Southern Area Type I Incident Command Team (Dueitt) to manage the ongoing fire activities within the park. This team consists of federal and state interagency team members from across the country who collaboratively manages wildland fire and other incident management activities such as natural disaster relief efforts.

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JP update: JP was evacuated on Monday morning and is safe and sound. He will post as soon as he is allowed back on the mountain.

77 Comments

Travis Chesser link

11/29/2016 06:34:33 pm

Great news! Hopefully J.P. can get back up soon!

Denise

11/29/2016 06:36:01 pm

So grateful that the Lodge is safe and prayers overt JP'S safety have been answered.

Laura Sauter

11/29/2016 06:40:40 pm

Grateful.

Ronette Jones

11/29/2016 06:40:52 pm

Wonderful news - Thanks for updating us - we have been following the news all day but had never heard definitively. Glad JP is safe as is the mountain! Praying for no wind and lots of rain tonite!

Katrina Lallathin

11/29/2016 06:44:32 pm

Thank you so much for the update! I have been so worried about the fires, the lodge and the caretaker! We were just there for an overnight stay on 11/13/16 and had already booked a stay for next fall. Prayers for the lodge have been answered! I hope the fires are extinguished soon! Keeping everyone from the area, the firefighters, emergency management and our beautiful Smokies in my prayers!

Stacey

11/29/2016 06:45:30 pm

Thank you for the update! We've been praying about it. So sorry for all the beauty that was lost, though. I'm sad for all the animals out there.

Jeff link

11/29/2016 06:45:53 pm

Good news and also a nice sentiment.

diane

11/29/2016 06:46:23 pm

Great news, thanks for the update!

Mike and Debbie Cooper. From Naples FL

11/29/2016 06:49:53 pm

So relieved to hear this amazing mountain retreat and sanctuary for so many hikers over the years remains for all of us to continue to enjoy. Sounds like a miracle to us.

Kathy Luecke

11/29/2016 06:51:15 pm

Prayers to all

Rebecca Moore

11/29/2016 06:51:40 pm

So thankful this special place in this awesome National Park is safe.
Prayers for everyone impacted by these fires. The reports and pictures have been heartbreaking.

Sue W.

11/29/2016 06:51:56 pm

Glad you are safe, JP. Prayers for all those affected.

Joyce Moore

11/29/2016 06:55:26 pm

Thank you so much for the update. Thoughts and prayers are with families and firefighters involved with the forest fires.

Karen Merritt

11/29/2016 06:59:18 pm

Thank you so much for the news! My grandparents, Clyde and Gretcyn Wood, were original members of the Smokey Mountain hiking club. Clyde helped build one of the original cabins, now a storage building. I am approaching 60 years old and my first visit to LeConte Lodge was when I was 4 years old! 4 generations of Clyde and Grethyn Wood have slept in that mountain! So grateful for the good news! Thank you

Jeannie MacAdams

11/29/2016 07:00:47 pm

THANK YOU for the update!!!!! Been checking the blog all day long & fighting the urge to worry about JP! Gatlinburg news is devastating, but I'm so very thankful LeConte was able to stand apart from it all.

Ron Haradzin

11/29/2016 07:06:02 pm

We have to pray that the beautiful, historic family cabins and restaurant do not get damaged by this fire. This is a very sad event for this beautiful area.

Sandra

11/29/2016 07:15:58 pm

So thankful and happy to hear that the lodge & Elkmont did not sustain any damage and most importantly, that JP made it off the mountain safely. We have been very concerned and following the situation closely. Praying for lots of rain and no wind this evening. Take care, everyone!!

david

11/29/2016 07:22:33 pm

So glad JP and the lodge are safe. But the poor town and area around it. But take heart the mountain will come back it will take a long time but it will come back.

Carolyn Howell

11/29/2016 07:22:52 pm

A very special place for me and my family. On one of my numerous hikes to the Lodge, I was married at sunrise at Myrtle Point. So happy it was spared and hope to be back soon.

Cougarpass

11/29/2016 07:29:38 pm

Thanks for the update. Prayers to all affected and the brave souls working to fight this fire.

John Watson

11/29/2016 07:43:31 pm

THANK YOU for the update. So thankful the Lodge was spared. And even more thankful that JP is OKAY! Been worried all day about him!!!!

Dan waits

11/29/2016 07:44:14 pm

Whew! Thank the Lord!!!

Tammy Henderson

11/29/2016 07:48:03 pm

Praise God JP is ok and Thankful the lodge was not affected!!

Christy lockett

11/29/2016 07:55:50 pm

thank you so much for the update....we've been holding our breath and search the Web for status of Elkmont area and LeConte lodge....thankfully all are safe including JP

Sandra Lee

11/29/2016 07:57:33 pm

Be safe. Thinking of you all as well as the wildlife.

Robin Melroy

11/29/2016 08:00:26 pm

Thank you for keeping us posted on the fires. I am so glad your untouched with it. All my prayers and heart go out to Gatlinburg and everyone around.

Pam

11/29/2016 08:05:56 pm

Thanking God JP is safe!! Also that leConte and Elkmont came out ok. Prayers to all fighting the fires and to those who lost a home.

Bridgette Jones

11/29/2016 08:22:48 pm

While I had heard the LeConte Lodge had not experienced any fire damage, I am even more thankful to hear no one was hurt on or leaving the mountain. Prayers for all and anyone with homes or families in the area. We love LeConte Lodge. ♡

Theresa

11/29/2016 08:23:35 pm

So glad you made it out safely. Thanks for letting us know.

Kathleen

11/29/2016 08:25:58 pm

Thanks for the update. We had been checking the blog all day to check on JP and the lodge.

Paul

11/29/2016 08:35:21 pm

Thank goodness that all is o.k. on the mountain and at Elkmont. My wife and I are just heartbroken over the destruction of such a beautiful place, we love the Smokies, it is our favorite place. I truly hope that it was not arson, if so I REALLY hope that the person is caught and a stiff penalty is the price to be paid. Our prayers are with all there.

Sharon S

11/29/2016 08:40:15 pm

Thankful for some good news amongst so much bad!

Marialice Baker link

11/29/2016 09:07:11 pm

Thanks so much for letting us know the conditions of Leconte Lodge and Elkmont. And especially for letting us know that JP is OK.

Pmoore

11/29/2016 09:08:27 pm

Thanks for the post, glad to hear JP is safe!

denise sarna

11/29/2016 09:44:12 pm

Praising God for your safety JP. Can't wait to read your next posts

Mary Kearins

11/29/2016 09:44:43 pm

God bless. Thoughts and prayers. Be safe

Martha Burwell link

11/29/2016 10:00:15 pm

Praying for you folks!! Glad things are ok at the lodge so far.

Tom Szakal

11/29/2016 10:17:06 pm

Stay safe LeConte!

Robin

11/29/2016 10:20:56 pm

Thank you for the update on both LeConte Lodge and Elkmont. Thankfully they are both okay, as both are such treasures. Our hearts go out to those who have suffered losses. Thank you also for the update on J.P., our family and all the other LeConte readers were hoping he was able to get out safely

Karen Otis

11/29/2016 10:52:03 pm

Thank you!!!

Michael Seeber

11/30/2016 12:12:51 am

So glad to hear LeConte Lodge is safe!!!!

Scott

11/30/2016 05:30:08 am

So glad the LeConte Lodge did not burn!!!!!!!! and JP made it out ok.

Brad

11/30/2016 07:21:40 am

Great news in a time of a lot of bad news. Great to hear the lodge and J.P. are safe. I feel for everyone affected by the fires.

I was in Yellowstone several years after the massive fire in the park. You could still see a lot of trees killed by the fire still standing and on the ground. But you could also see all the new life sprouting from the ashes. It will be hard to see the damage on my first visit back to the park. But, I will be looking forward to seeing all the new life that sprouts back up from the ashes.

Dave

11/30/2016 07:29:29 am

glad to hear JP is safe, I had visions of him hightailing it across the Blvd ,

Marsha Westerbeck

11/30/2016 07:53:05 am

so glad to hear everything is ok up there!!

mary ayers

11/30/2016 07:58:24 am

The LeConte Lodge is near the SUMMIT of Mt LeConte, not the base. I know, I've hiked up to it twice. So glad it was spared.

Jonny C.

11/30/2016 08:14:02 am

LeConte Lodge is at the summit of Mount LeConte, not the base.

PrayerWalker link

11/30/2016 08:18:08 am

Giving thanks for J.P.'s safe evacuation and the wonderful news that LeConte was not damaged. Praying for all who are working in the area and those who lost their homes and businesses.

Ryan La

11/30/2016 08:32:12 am

First off, prayers go out to the people of the surrounding areas that have nothing left but the cloths on their backs. Thanks to the Big Man upstairs that allowed the lodge to escape the fire.

Pam Durbin

11/30/2016 09:10:49 am

Glad to hear the Lodge and JP are ok.
Praying for all in the area..

doug y link

11/30/2016 09:13:14 am

With over fifty-nine years of experience in the Park I necessarily have deep and strong ties to the Smokies. Such a major tragedy for many people in Sevier County; I can only offer my personal sympathy. By the way, I don't know who wrote the post above but the Lodge isn't at the base of Mt. LeConte, it's just below the summit of it.

Marilyn

11/30/2016 09:26:41 am

I am so happy that JP and LeConte and the Elkmont area were undamaged. Was on pins and needles watching the news and wondering if my favorite place was safe. My prayers go out to those who lost their lives and their homes and businesses.

Chris Dover

11/30/2016 09:59:13 am

It's great JP and the Lodge are safe! I REALLY DIDN'T want to have been the last person (along with my son) to have ever stayed in Cabin #4.
Tears filled my eyes when I heard the mountain was spared, I love this very special place.

Terry

11/30/2016 10:05:37 am

Thank you for the update.

Bill Budell

11/30/2016 10:16:42 am

Could you see the fires in Gatlinburg from the Lodge? The news reports described major damage in the city.

James W

11/30/2016 10:48:57 am

Thanks for the update i was about to sneak in and runup to the lodge!1lol glad all is okay and if any help is needed cleaning at thelodge please let us know willing to go up anyday!! see JP soon!!

Pedi Bates

11/30/2016 12:14:04 pm

So thankful for this news. I have been praying that Le Cont would be spared as it is a slice of heaven. Thx so much for the daily posts which offer me inspiration while I labor at my desk! Please take and keep up the good work & keep the FAITH!

TwistyP

11/30/2016 12:25:19 pm

First hand account from 1 of the 29 hikers that were evacuated by the GSMNP Rangers.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/307072746055774/permalink/1130819737014400/

RJnLA

11/30/2016 01:05:20 pm

I read yesterday that the Ogle cabin in roaring fork may have burned but not confirmed. Has anyone else heard anything. My thoughts and Prayers to all that have been affected.

Toni B

11/30/2016 01:30:47 pm

Thank you for the update and am so happy to hear the lodge is undamaged! Prayers to all who have been affected by this tragedy!

Ellen Kay Schlieckau link

11/30/2016 02:49:09 pm

So glad the Lodge is ok! With winds up to 87 mph, is there any damage to the trails?

Dar

11/30/2016 05:48:17 pm

I was so worried about JP, Thank the Lord he and the Lodge is safe, My wife and I are heartbroken with the news of all the destruction in our beloved mountains, prayers for the ones that lost loved ones and there businesses.

Theresa Harding

11/30/2016 08:22:36 pm

So glad to hear that JP and LeConte Lodge are safe. Thanks for the update. Very special place.

Elaine

11/30/2016 09:44:21 pm

Still sad for the businesses and homes lost in this tragic event. For many of the residents of Sevier County it will be some time before their lives return to normal. We are the fortunate ones who still have our special place to return to, watched over carefully by our special winter caretaker, JP.

JMOORE

11/30/2016 11:06:27 pm

So glad to hear the JP and the lodge are safe. Looking so forward to JP's post. His posts are EXCELLENT.

Gwen Wright

12/1/2016 07:15:28 am

I'm so glad to hear all is well on the Mountain. I haven't met JP but I hope to in July..My heart was HEAVY when I heard the news here in Oklahoma, we are praying for all of you.

Rhonda Bastoky

12/1/2016 08:46:51 am

Glad JP is safe as well as Mt LeConte. Smoky Mountains is our favorite getaway because it is not too far to drive. Prayers go out to all of the families suffering at this time.

12/1/2016 09:01:36 am

The people of eastern TN, and those who have adopted it as home, are strong and resourceful people. The will morn and then be strengthened by their loss. It is a special place.

Brad Ferguson

12/1/2016 01:43:31 pm

We come to the Smokies specifically to hike up the various trails to Mount LeConte. Which of these Trails have suffered damage due to the wildfire?

Brenda D

12/1/2016 01:52:00 pm

We are so relieved that JP was out of harms way in the midst of the fire and hope he will be returning to the lodge soon. Our thoughts and prayers are with those who lost so much and our thanks to all of the emergency personnel who put their lives on the line for others. LeConte is indeed very special as are the people who live and work in this wonderful place.

Angelia Brossia

12/1/2016 05:57:18 pm

So incredibly blessed my prayers for the lodge and cabing were answered!! It is my favorite place in the smokeys. Prayers to all who were not spared.

Darlene

12/2/2016 10:13:04 am

So glad JP is alright and my heart is broken for all the loss and destruction of such a beautiful place. Prayers continuing..

Shelia

12/4/2016 09:27:11 am

First and foremost , thank God that JP is safe. Prayers continue for those who lost lives and homes in this horrific fire.

Lillian & Gene Elliott

12/6/2016 02:18:15 pm

Hiked to Mt. Le Conte two years ago and it was wonderful. Glad God spared and sorry for loss of lives and the devastation in Gatlinburg. Love the area and again there two weeks prior to storm from MD
God bless all.

Lillian Elliott

12/6/2016 02:19:13 pm

Love Mt. Le Conte - hiked two years ago. Sorry for loss of lives and glad God spared the lodge and kept all safe as possible in the town of Gatlinburg. Prayers are with all.

Jan

12/7/2016 09:24:51 pm

So glad JP was able to make it out ok. The people of that area have been in our constant prayers and we continue to pray that Christ holds those that are suffering in the Palm of His hand. Le Conte and the whole gatlinburg community means so much to our family and holds so many wonderful memories.

Larry Y

12/10/2016 12:57:07 pm

I am very grateful for the safety of the staff and lodge. The mountain and trails leading to the lodge are a gift from God. Such a beautiful place full of splendor! Thanks to all involved for the work and improvements to the Alum trail access.

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