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NEWS | March 18, 2013

Tennessee Army National Guard helicopters assist in fighting wildfire

By Courtesy Story

NASHVILLE - Tennessee Army National Guard UH-60 Blackhawk helicopters equipped with "Bambi Buckets" are assisting firefighters from 25 fire companies in fighting a massive wildfire near Pigeon Forge.

Two helicopters are engaged, with a third Blackhawk and LUH-72 Lakota on standby.

The helicopters are staging at the Tennessee Army National Guard Flight facility at McGhee Tyson Air National Guard Base in Louisville.

Fire departments from several counties and the Tennessee Division of Forestry continued to battle the fire Sunday night.

Sevier County Fire Department confirmed that the fire damaged at least 35 cabins near Black Bear Ridge Resort and Trappers Ridge.

The fire is currently considered contained, but not controlled, officials said.

Lines have been built all around, but officials are very concerned about heavy, prevailing winds pushing fire towards Pigeon Forge.

 

 

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