(SEVIERVILLE, TN)  High winds and wildfires are sweeping parts of Sevier County, and the Tennessee Association of Broadcasters asked radio stations in the state to notify the public to evacuate.

TAB President and CEO Chris Baker said, "There is currently a wildfire in the Wears Valley Community.  High winds have created a need for Sevier County EMA to send out LAE (Local Area Emergency) and EVI (Evacuate Immediate) alerts for the area."

Officials in East Tennessee are seeking help from the media to notify visitors and residents who may be in harm’s way as the fire possibly spreads across the area due to another line of approaching storms and high winds.

Baker noted, “There is currently a wildfire in the Wears Valley Community."

Officials report that numerous wildfires are currently being swept by high winds in East Tennessee, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park near Wears Valley and Thomas Divide, as well as parts of Western North Carolina. 

High winds of 40 to 45 mph with gusts up to 90 mph are in the forecast for that area through 6:00 o'clock Thursday morning (3/31/2022).

Presently roads that are impacted by the wildfire include:

• Newfound Gap Road
• Cades Cove Loop Road
• Foothills Parkway West (from Chilhowee Lake to Wears Valley)
• Foothills Parkway East

For persons displaced by the mandatory evacuation in effect for certain areas, a shelter is now open at the Pigeon Forge Community Center, 170 Community Center Drive. It is open to families and pets.