Pigeon Forge Fire: Wildfire Rages Through Resort Town, Home To Dollywood Theme Park

A state of emergency has been declared in Pigeon Forge Tennessee after a house fire became an out of control wildfire.

The fire began Sunday evening at 5pm. 30 cabins at the Pigeon Forge resort have been burned, while propane tanks on the ground became bombs, exploding and sending shrapnel flying all over the place.

CNN reports Pigeon Forge Fire Chief Tony Watson as saying about the Pigeon Forge fires, "Propane tanks have been exploding. It's been real dangerous."

Witness Shannon McCostlin told WATE-TV, "It looks like somebody just went through and dropped a bomb on the place. I feel real bad for them people."

The fire has spread across 230 acres. The National Guard has been called in and plans to use helicopters to drop water from a nearby lake onto the flames. The Red Cross set up tents for the 150 people in the area who needed to be evacuated.  

The Pigeon Forge resort area is known for it's outdoor attractions and is famous for Dollywood. The theme park is named after singer Dolly Parton. The fire has not effected Dollywood.

Wildfires can start due to human negligence of campfires, smoking, fireworks and burning trash. Nature can also start a wildfire; lightning can strike and set a blaze or the sun's heat can spark a fire in dry conditions.

Discovery.com says, "On average, 5 million acres of U.S land burn each year in wildfires." Discovery.com also says, "Wildfires can move quickly, as fast as 14mph."

Reports are saying that the Pigeon Forge fire is partially contained and firefighters are working to get it under control and put the fire out.