Uploaded December 2016 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
11/28/2016 will live in infamy for many Sevier Country residents. I attempted to document part of the day, but as the conditions worsened, and the inferno started to rage towards Gatlinburg, I quickly fleed the area as I felt the potential threat. Unfortunately, many people got caught up into this inferno and some even lost their lives.
I started the day returning to the region after being away on a thanksgiving break. As I entered back into the area, it became evident wildfires were burning in the region, but what I didnt realize was the area was about to experience the most horrifying day perhaps in its history. I managed to document some of the event, but decided to flee when my wife demanded I return home. As the conditions worsened, even my area became under threat as the fires raced towards us from miles away. This video is raw, and documents just some of the event, but I left as the fires were just cresting the area. It was stated that it took only 15 minutes for the flames to enter into Gatlinburg. I consider myself a little bit lucky, because as I exited the parkway fires were running up the hillside. At that point, I was just trying to get out and put the camera away - Gary Wilson, GSMA digital media specialist.
11/28/2016 will live in infamy for many Sevier Country residents. I attempted to document part of the day, but as the conditions worsened, and the inferno started to rage towards Gatlinburg, I quickly fleed the area as I felt the potential threat. Unfortunately, many people got caught up into this inferno and some even lost their lives.
I started the day returning to the region after being away on a thanksgiving break. As I entered back into the area, it became evident wildfires were burning in the region, but what I didnt realize was the area was about to experience the most horrifying day perhaps in its history. I managed to document some of the event, but decided to flee when my wife demanded I return home. As the conditions worsened, even my area became under threat as the fires raced towards us from miles away. This video is raw, and documents just some of the event, but I left as the fires were just cresting the area. It was stated that it took only 15 minutes for the flames to enter into Gatlinburg. I consider myself a little bit lucky, because as I exited the parkway fires were running up the hillside. At that point, I was just trying to get out and put the camera away - Gary Wilson, GSMA digital media specialist.
