As a life long resident of East TN, (thus my screen name) I have watched video/news footage all day on the wildfires that hit Gatlinburg Tuesday night. The entire town was evacuated, and at this point there have been three confirmed fatalities. My brother-in-law and his wife were evacuated from their home early yesterday evening, with the idea that it would only be for a short time. A tree had fallen on their house (reports of 87 mph winds) and their electricity was out. They had 12 cats that lived with them, and due to the mentioned complications, chose to leave them until they returned. As of now, early Wednesday morning, no one has been allowed to return to the city of Gatlinburg. Most do not know the fate of their homes and/or businesses. Shelters are housing upwards of 2000 displaced individuals. Unfortunately, my relatives did learn of the fate of their home through pictures sent to them. The pictures below are the extent of what they know:Name:  IMG_0632.jpg
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Size:  92.2 KBI am requesting prayers for them, as well as all of the others affected by this disaster. God is mercifully providing rain as I type this. My relatives biggest concern is not their home, but their pets. Pet lovers will understand this. I am adding to my prayers for all of these poor people, a prayer for a miracle that these pets escaped. It may sound trivial, but I know that God can give this comfort if it is His will.