Smoky Mountain Journal -200 Claims Made By Sevier County Wildfire Survivors Against Federal Government, Department Of Interior




The Great Smoky Mountain Journal Staff Reports Posted: Sunday, January 21, 2018 03:49 PM

200 Claims Made By Sevier County Wildfire Survivors Against Federal Government, Department Of Interior
A representative for Attorney Sidney Gilreath announced Friday there has been nearly 200 claims made by Sevier County wildfire survivors with the federal agency Department of the Interior. The claims come after the National Parks Service and the Department of the Interior released their Chimney Tops 2 Fire review Thursday, which found that a lack of preparation and communications equipment failures hindered the Great Smoky Mountain National Park's ability to adequately contain the fires and communicate with surrounding communities. According to Chief Joe Stutler with the Chimney Tops 2 Fire Review Team, the investigation into the November fires found no evidence of negligence by anyone at the park. Gilreath said no claims had been filed as of Friday. He expected all claims to be filed within a month or two. Gilreath said those filing claims hope to receive compensation for loss of property and life due to the wildfire.