Dollywood theme park plans to reopen on Friday afternoon after escaping the raging Tennessee wildfires which killed at least three people and forced the evacuation of about 14,000 in Tennessee.
The fires destroyed at least 150 homes in Gatlinburg and a resort in the Great Smoky Mountains.
The Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort & Spa ‘is likely entirely gone,’ the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency said.
The fate of several other hotels is still unknown.
The fire, whipped up by 90mph winds, virtually reached the doorstep of Dollywood in Pigeon Forge.
Apart from a few fire damaged cabins, the park itself was not hit although it did receive some wind related damage.
"After assessing the damage wrought by recent wildfires in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, Dollywood is focusing its efforts for the next two days supporting the community," the park said in a statement.
Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort is open after an initial evacuation of guests on Tuesday.
This is the largest fire in the state of Tennessee in 100 years," said Gov. Bill Haslam.
Gatlinburg Fire Chief Greg Miller echoed that sentiment. "This is a fire for the history books, the likes of this has never been seen here but the worst is definitely over with."
