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Smokies lawsuit
Two survivors of the Smoky Mountains wildfires in late 2016, have filed a federal lawsuit blaming employees of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park . The lawsuit was filed by Michael Reed, whose wife and two daughters died,in the blaze and James England, who lost his home to the flames.The lawsuit asks for $14.8 million in damages. The action alleges that employees of the Smokies park, violated fire-management procedures, failed to prioritize the safety of citizens and property, and failed to notify and warn residents and visitors of the danger of the fires. According to the lawsuit, park officials decided to contain the Chimney Tops 2 flames rather than extinguishing them, despite the very dry conditions. The plaintiffs say the decision not to extinguish the flames was made because the very steep and rocky mountainside was a safety risk to firefighters. Eighty mile per hour winds blew embers into Gatlinburg , downed power lines, and then hopped for miles to the north, sparking more fires. Fourteen people died and about 2,500 buildings were damaged or destroyed. Two juveniles were originally charged in the blaze but the state charges were dropped when it was determined that state courts had no jurisdiction. A park official declined to comment on the lawsuit.
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Return to Today's News Stories - Front PageThursday, April 29, 2021
US 411 Project News
Mill Creek Wildfire Update
More Bad News For Smokies' Fans
Wednesday, April 28, 2021
Mill Creek Wildfire doubles in size
Goodbye Smokies?
Keep Cocke County Beautiful
Cocke Co. High School Remote Learning today!
Tuesday, April 27, 2021
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Gas prices drop
Tennessee keeps all US House seats
Monday, April 26, 2021
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Cocke County Wildfires
Friday, April 23, 2021
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Newport drug roundup
Cruise Against Cancer
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