GATLINBURG (AP) — Businesses remained closed Monday in the fire-ravaged Tennessee community of Gatlinburg, but many were in cleanup mode in hopes of reopening to the public — possibly by midweek.
The owners of shops and other businesses unscathed by the deadly wildfires that damaged or destroyed hundreds of buildings in the tourist destination were eager to open.
Marion Paul got her first look recently inside her arcade, Fannie Farkel's, since wildfires ravaged parts of Gatlinburg. The downtown arcade needed to be swept of soot and some food tossed out. But otherwise, it was ready for business.
To Paul's amazement, nearly all the businesses appeared unharmed on the main downtown strip in Gatlinburg.
Authorities have said the wildfires killed 14 people, injured 134 and damaged 1,700 structures in and around the tourist destination.