Wildfire burns outside Great Smoky Mountains

[March 18, 2013]  PIGEON FORGE, Tenn. (AP) -- A wildfire burning in a resort area outside the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in eastern Tennessee has destroyed more than 30 large rental cabins.

Ben Bryson, a fire resources coordinator with the Tennessee Division of Forestry, says the 145-acre fire was first reported around 5 p.m. EDT Sunday in Sevier County.

Bryson says two National Guard helicopters are being dispatched Monday to help fight the fire, which has been contained and isn't expected to spread.

Bryson says some of the cabins were occupied and about 150 to 200 people were evacuated, but no injuries were reported.

The area is home to country star Dolly Parton's Dollywood theme park, which Bryson says is not being threatened by the fire.

[Associated Press]

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