My hometown is on fire

Discussion in 'World News' started by Decap, Nov 29, 2016.

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  1. Decap

    Decap Super Radman

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    Gatlinburg TN, a city within Sevierville, TN and my hometown has been wrecked by wildfires, last night being the worst of all. Winds in excess of 87 Mph cause flames to jump from street to street, home to home. Trees fell on power lines causing more fires. So far nearly 200+ structures have been confirmed destroyed and that's just with the initial assessment. This doesn't include homes, businesses, and other properties that have been damage. One of my rental properties was confirmed destroyed this morning with two other properties containing 6 units total have yet to be assessed. This being my hometown and seeing the places I grew up around set on fire is devastating to say the least. Luckily I am fine and have not lost anything. However I have friends that were not so lucky and happened to get out with just the clothes on their back and lost everything else.

    Here's a reddit thread with a lot of info, pictures, and video in the comments:
    https://www.reddit.com/r/pics/comments/5fgh38/gatlinburg_tennessee_ablaze_right_now/
     
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  2. Nyaaa~ ∑:3

    Nyaaa~ ∑:3 Old Champion

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    Its horrble. Trully, trully horrible.
    But, if we keep thinking positive, its good that you, and maybe other people from your town, are unharmed and well. You can always get back what you've lost, if its materrial. But Lives and time... priceless. We'll hope for the safety of others and wish for this to end.
    Nature's Wrath in action...
     
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  3. Dawson

    Dawson Veteran Member Platinum VIP

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    Holy fuck! I'm sorry to hear about the crisis, but I am thankful that you are safe. We've been having quite a few wildfires over in California for this year, too.
     
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  4. jeffreythe00

    jeffreythe00 Dreamer

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    Wow this is insane. I am happy to hear you are ok and I wish your friends the best of luck. Its not easy seeing places you grew up being destroyed. I'm glad to hear your friends made it out OK. I really hope your town can get the fires under control.
     
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  5. classic

    classic Community Member Platinum VIP

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    That really sucks man!!!
    Good luck to you and stay safe!
     
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  6. Decap

    Decap Super Radman

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    Confirmed 3 deaths so far but there are still people missing. Gatlinburg is still closed off and thousands are left without a place to go. Luckily we got some rain to put out the rest of these fires, but with downed power lines and trees all over, it will take a long time for things to get a sense of normalcy.

    @Dawson I feel these are a little different from the wildfires in California. While any wildfire is devastating, this one was very sudden. One minute there is a small brush fire on a mountain, less than 24 hours later over half of the city was engulfed in flames. It's also devastating to the local economy because we depend on tourism. If tourists can't come in to spend their money, a lot of people suffer in the long run. Many people are left without homes, many more left without jobs, some even lost both. Even the Mayor of Gatlinburg lost his personal business and his house.
     
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  7. Viral

    Viral Devinity's Finest Forger Staff Member Server Moderator Platinum VIP

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    I legit got teary at the sound of this, despite the fact it has nothing to do with me, the thought of what the people must be going through just devastates me. The children who have to deal with this at such a young age and possible family's dying it's just terrible, mother nature can be cruel, but something like this is one of the things that just hits me.
     
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  8. Decap

    Decap Super Radman

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    Update:
    • 1000+ Structures either destroyed or heavily damaged
    • 17,000+ Acres burned
    • 13 dead, numerous missing
    • Nearly 5000 people still without power
     
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  9. Bayrock

    Bayrock Founder & Developer Staff Member Founder

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    That's an unforgiving wildfire surely. Hope all goes well in your area moving forward.

    On another note is there any idea what/who caused the initial flame?
     
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  10. Decap

    Decap Super Radman

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    There's an investigation. They believe it to have started from a camper/hiker starting an open fire even though there has been an open fire ban for 2 months now.
     
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  11. MyBoyJohnson69

    MyBoyJohnson69 Member

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    This sounds horrible man, I hope it gets better, pricks who decide making a fire in an area where its STRICTLY PROHIBITED, honestly deserve like 30 years, its unforgivable that one person decides to go against it despite what the law say's. Ignorance of the law doesn't give you immunity to punishment.
     
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  12. Wolfgang

    Wolfgang Veteran Member Platinum VIP

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    I understand that what came from this was a complete devastation, but 30 years for someone who could have been 1 a moron or 2 just a stupid teenager is retarded. whomever is responsible probably feels fucking terrible and has to live with it/
     
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  13. Viral

    Viral Devinity's Finest Forger Staff Member Server Moderator Platinum VIP

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    I agree. The only way 30 years could be realistically justified would be in my eyes an act of terrosim included, which was clearly not the reason for this horrible event.
     
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  14. Decap

    Decap Super Radman

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    They found out it was two teens, one 15 one 17, that started the fires. They are both in custody and could be facing up to 60 years each.

    @Viral It is justified if you saw the damage it caused first hand. Thousands of people affected, destroyed homes and businesses, and people died/still missing as a direct result of their actions. They may not have done it intentionally, but that doesn't change the fact they did it.
     
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  15. Viral

    Viral Devinity's Finest Forger Staff Member Server Moderator Platinum VIP

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    Prior to what I said I hadn't seen the actual damage of it. I've just had a look and completely agree now its bigger than I imagines and my opinion was wrong and I should've researched more before posting it. However 60 years is a long time for young members of the world, but that's the price you pay and they will have to deal with a bigger punishment than the judge gives them. The punishment of guilt for all they've caused.
     
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  16. Sudokimu

    Sudokimu Member

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    fookin nature.
    just kill all the trees.
    KILL THEM ALL
     
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  17. Sgt. Orange

    Sgt. Orange Weaponsmith

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    Sudokimu, please don't necro threads from one year ago.
     
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  18. Sudokimu

    Sudokimu Member

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    oopsie, sorry!
     
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  19. Vixen

    Vixen Neko Trap Gold VIP

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    Stop Necroing :megumin_intimidating:
     
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