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NWS Grand Rapids: Smell of smoke may be from Tennessee fires

Posted at 10:33 AM, Nov 29, 2016
and last updated 2016-11-29 11:36:30-05

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. - Are you smelling smoke outside today? If there isn't a nearby source, it could be from the fires in Tennessee.

The National Weather Service in Grand Rapids says they have received reports of people smelling smoke. The fires raged last night in Gatlinburg.  A strong south wind has been blowing overnight in Michigan.

Dollywood representatives say the theme park hasn't been damaged by wildfires, but more than a dozen cabins operated by the park have been damaged or destroyed.

A news release says Dollywood made an assessment of the park early Tuesday morning. On Monday night, resort staff evacuated families staying in 50 rooms at Dollywood's DreamMore Resort and in 19 of Dollywood's Smoky Mountain Cabins.

The release notes that Dollywood has suspended park operations at least through Wednesday, but DreamMore will be open on a limited basis as a shelter and for registered guests.

Also on Tuesday, the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency reported that the Ober Gatlinburg amusement park and ski area is fine. The agency previously received reports that the facility was likely destroyed.

Preliminary surveys indicate that the fires have wiped out the more than 100 buildings of the Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort & Spa.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.