Gatlinburg residents returning, businesses opening Friday
GATLINGBURG, Tenn. - Residents of the fire-ravaged town of Gatlinburg, Tennessee are being allowed to return Tuesday, with businesses opening to the public Friday.
Major roadways in Gatlinburg will be open to the general public beginning at 7 a.m. Friday, but some roads will remain closed due to construction.
"Everything you know and love about the Gatlinburg area will be opening back up to serve you, and we're all excited to see you visiting again," Visit My Smokies blog said online.
Officials said nearly 2,000 structures were damaged or destroyed by the wildfires, but many buildings along the main downtown strip didn't sustain any damage.
Fourteen people died in the wildfires and more than 130 people were injured.