Overview

Video interview with Charlie Anderson, owner of Tree Tops Resort in Gatlinburg, conducted by Casey Kaufman. Anderson discusses being in the hospitality business in Gatlinburg and the effects of the wildfires on the resort. He also talks about the efforts to search for possible victims and the troubles faced during reconstruction. Conducted over Zoom due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

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Video interview with Buddy McLean, ownder of Buckberry Lodge in Gatlinburg, conducted by Casey Kaufman. McLean provides a background for the lodge in Gatlinburg before discussing the 2016 wildfires. He recounts the destruction of the lodge as well as the decision to rebuild. He also describes the short and long term effects that the fires had on the community. Conducted over Zoom due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

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Video interview with Shirley Price, resident of Gatlinburg, conducted by Ken Wise. Price discusses her experiences during the wildfire and hearing reports about her neighborhood burning while being out of town. She also recounts returning to Gatlinburg to find that she had not lost her home.

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APPL audio interview with Robert (Bob) Waikel, president of Ski Mountain Chalet Rentals, Inc., conducted by Karen McDonald. Waikel discusses the circumstances he faced in dealing with the fire while having a wife suffering from Alzheimer's disease. Waikel recounts not only his evacuation and return, but also the effects seen on the tourism industry.

Overview

APPL audio interview with Martha Ward, resident of Gatlinburg, conducted by Karen McDonald. Ward discusses the day of the fire and the activities of several community members. Starting with the efforts at Park Vista during and after the fire, she also recounts the assistance given by a neighbor, Sandy Vineyard. She then recounts the actions of Joel B. Cox to save a school bus and provide transportation during the fire.

Overview

Video interview with Paul Wellborn, owner of Ely's Mill in Gatlinburg, conducted by Casey Kaufman. Wellborn recounts his efforts during the fire to help direct traffic out of the town. He also discusses the following days and weeks dealing with city and federal responders to the crisis.

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Video interview with Ruth Wellborn, owner of Ely's Mill in Gatlinburg, conducted by Laura Romans. Wellborn was in the Florida Keys during the day of the fire, and recounts her experience returning home after the disaster. She discusses personal recovery efforts as well as those by the city. She also discusses the feeling of a town that has to rebuild after a wildfire of this magnitude.

Overview APPL audio interview with Paul and Ruth Welborn, owners of Ely's Mill in Gatlinburg, conducted by Kenton Temple and Karen McDonald. Paul tells about the day of the fire and his efforts evacuating tourists unfamiliar with the area. He also discusses the night and following day of the fire in Gatlinburg dealing with emergency responders. Ruth recounts her return from Florida after learning of the fire. She discusses some of the damage done to their property and how they were able to aid...