Wildfires continue to rage across the United States Southern States and officials have now confirmed 11 deaths due to the fires. Heavy rains did help firefighters in the Great Smoky Mountains and the fires are about 10% contained and have burned 17,000 acres of forest.
The wildfires have caused large blackouts and 8,500 people are still without power in Tennessee. Search crews have found quite a few of the 70 people that were missing. In Sevier County, there has been large losses of property. An estimated 700 structures have been destroyed and about 300 of them were in the city of Gatlinburg. As many as 14,000 people were forced to evacuate their homes.
Dollywood which is a theme park named after Country Music Star Dolly Parton was threatened by these fires but luckily was not damaged as the fires crept up close.
As a Prepper, you should always be prepared for wildfires that can destroy your house if you live anywhere close to a large forest. Be prepared for power outages that can last up to a week, have bug-out bags ready in case you have to evacuate quickly, and have a plan as to where you will go.
Sometimes if you wait out fires the winds pick up and the fire spreads faster than firefighters realize and they don't have time to notify all of the people. It is never smart to stay put when firefighters recommend that you evacuate.
When I was working for the Federal Government as a Seasonal Fisheries Technician, a large fire caused by lightning erupted close to a primitive campground that I was at. I had to evacuate quickly and although the fire did not hit the campground it was pretty close and the thick stench of burning conifers was present throughout the campground. It was a slow drive out as numerous fire trucks and personnel were moving in to ambush the fire. Wildfires burn very hot and can cross a road almost instantly. When winds blow flames across a road believe me you don't want to be driving by. Cars will explode in an instant. Also, it is possible that if you are by a wildfire that you get sprayed by chemical drift from the overhead firefighting aircraft. The fire retardant is not supposed to be harmful to humans and other animals but who really knows?
If you are in need of a Wildfire Emergency Kit to have ready before a fire strikes, we offer a very nice one. It is located on our Survival Products Page. This kit has everything you need to live through a fire and it makes a thoughtful present to loved ones in fire danger areas.
The wildfires have caused large blackouts and 8,500 people are still without power in Tennessee. Search crews have found quite a few of the 70 people that were missing. In Sevier County, there has been large losses of property. An estimated 700 structures have been destroyed and about 300 of them were in the city of Gatlinburg. As many as 14,000 people were forced to evacuate their homes.
Dollywood which is a theme park named after Country Music Star Dolly Parton was threatened by these fires but luckily was not damaged as the fires crept up close.
As a Prepper, you should always be prepared for wildfires that can destroy your house if you live anywhere close to a large forest. Be prepared for power outages that can last up to a week, have bug-out bags ready in case you have to evacuate quickly, and have a plan as to where you will go.
Sometimes if you wait out fires the winds pick up and the fire spreads faster than firefighters realize and they don't have time to notify all of the people. It is never smart to stay put when firefighters recommend that you evacuate.
When I was working for the Federal Government as a Seasonal Fisheries Technician, a large fire caused by lightning erupted close to a primitive campground that I was at. I had to evacuate quickly and although the fire did not hit the campground it was pretty close and the thick stench of burning conifers was present throughout the campground. It was a slow drive out as numerous fire trucks and personnel were moving in to ambush the fire. Wildfires burn very hot and can cross a road almost instantly. When winds blow flames across a road believe me you don't want to be driving by. Cars will explode in an instant. Also, it is possible that if you are by a wildfire that you get sprayed by chemical drift from the overhead firefighting aircraft. The fire retardant is not supposed to be harmful to humans and other animals but who really knows?
If you are in need of a Wildfire Emergency Kit to have ready before a fire strikes, we offer a very nice one. It is located on our Survival Products Page. This kit has everything you need to live through a fire and it makes a thoughtful present to loved ones in fire danger areas.
