Evacuees talk about East Tennessee wildfires

GATLINBURG, Tenn. — Evacuations took place Monday night out of one of Tennessee’s most popular tourist destinations due to wildfires.

One of those who made her way back home was Crystal Mason, who had just arrived Sunday to stay in Gatlinburg for a few days.

“The emergency teams were doing everything they knew they could do and of course, our thoughts and prayers were for there to be rain,” Mason said.

The area did receive some rain Monday night and firefighters said it helped quench some of the flames.

Mason said it took about 5 hours to evacuate and find a place to stay in Knoxville before heading back home.

Firefighters said they believe the worst is over, but there is a lot of work to be done with about 14,000 people somehow affected.

The American Red Cross said they are working to make sure the families without homes have a place to stay and are working on coordinating volunteers to deploy. Mason said it is a helpless feeling.

“The feeling of, you want to do something, but you know you cant other than pray and pray that God’s will be done, and everyone would stay safe,” Mason said.

If you’d like to help with wildfire efforts, visit the “Seen on 7” section.