Gatlinburg Fire Department

The Gatlinburg Fire Department's A Shift firefighters recently conducted hands-on training in Gatlinburg.

This valuable opportunity allowed crews to sharpen critical skills in a realistic environment, including subfloor rescues, firefighter CPR, and wall breaching techniques for self-rescue situations.

Regular training like this helps ensure our firefighters are prepared to respond safely and effectively when our community needs us most.

Thank you to everyone who helps make these training opportunities possible as we continue our commitment to protecting the citizens and visitors of Gatlinburg.

Abigail Hurst (Firefighter/Paramedic) was officially welcomed and sworn in to her position and is ready to serve and protect the citizens and visitors of Gatlinburg with dedication and professionalism.

Judge Jerry McCarter administered the Oath of Office, while Chief David Gray pinned her badge. Abigail was also joined by many members of the Fire Department at the ceremony.

Please join us in congratulating Abigail on her accomplishment of joining the ranks of the Fire Department.

🚒 GFD DONATES TURNOUT GEAR TO SUPPORT GPHS FIRE SCIENCE PROGRAM 👨‍🚒

Students in the Gatlinburg-Pittman High School Fire Science program are getting new hands-on training opportunities thanks to a donation from the Gatlinburg Fire Department.

On Thursday morning, the Gatlinburg Fire Department donated 15 sets of turnout gear to the program, including turnout coats and pants that are no longer used for active emergency response, but are still ideal for classroom instruction and training exercises.

This turnout gear will help students gain practical experience while learning about firefighting, emergency management, and public safety careers through the school’s Fire Science/Management program.

Fire Chief David Gray said the Department is proud to support students who are interested in serving their communities through emergency services.

“This donation is an investment in the future of the fire service and in the students of our community,” said Gatlinburg Fire Chief David Gray. “While this gear has been retired from active emergency response, it still serves an important purpose by giving students the opportunity to train with authentic equipment and gain real-world experience in a safe educational setting.”

The GPHS Fire Science program is designed to introduce students to careers in firefighting and emergency services while also teaching leadership, preparedness, and public safety fundamentals.

Cecilia Ogle, the faculty member who teaches the classes in the Fire Science Program and was named 2025 NAEMT EMS Advocate of the Year, said the donation will make a meaningful difference for students in the classroom.

“We are incredibly grateful to the Gatlinburg Fire Department for their continued support of our students and program,” said Cecilia Ogle, faculty member for the GPHS Fire Science/Management program. “Having access to actual turnout gear gives our students a more realistic training experience and helps build confidence and professionalism as they explore careers in fire service and emergency management.”

The partnership between the Fire Department and GPHS reflects a shared commitment to supporting career readiness and investing in local students interested in public safety professions.

🚑 EMS WEEK 2026 🚑

During EMS Week 2026, the City proudly recognizes the dedicated professionals who provide lifesaving care on the front lines of emergency medicine every day.

The City remains one of only 11 municipalities in Tennessee to operate its own ambulance service, a commitment that reflects the importance of rapid, reliable emergency care for our community and visitors alike.

From delivering critical treatment in emergencies to offering reassurance during difficult moments, these highly trained professionals with the Gatlinburg Fire Department respond with compassion, skill, and urgency.

Day or night, in every kind of situation, they stand ready to answer the call and serve others when they are needed most.

Join us this week in thanking our EMS professionals for their unwavering dedication, service, and commitment to protecting our community.

🚒 GATLINBURG FIRE DEPARTMENT RECOGNIZED NATIONALLY FOR WILDFIRE RISK REDUCTION EFFORTS 🚒

The Gatlinburg Fire Department has received national recognition for its ongoing efforts to reduce wildfire risk and improve community safety through wildfire mitigation and home assessment programs.

The International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) recently honored the Gatlinburg Fire Department as a 2025 Active Program Member in the national Ready, Set, Go! Program, which promotes wildfire preparedness and community risk reduction efforts. The recognition highlights the department’s work with residents to reduce wildfire hazards, harden homes, and improve wildfire awareness throughout the community.

As part of the recognition, the Gatlinburg Fire Department ranked among the top wildfire mitigation agencies in the nation. The department placed in the top 10 nationally among combination fire departments for overall wildfire risk reduction hours and ranked 4th nationally among all fire departments for completed home assessments. Gatlinburg Fire Department was recognized alongside departments from across the western United States and other wildfire-prone regions.

“These recognitions reflect the hard work and dedication of our firefighters and fire prevention personnel,” said Gatlinburg Fire Chief David Gray. “Wildfire preparedness is a year-round effort in our community, and we are proud to work with residents to help make Gatlinburg safer. Our team remains committed to reducing wildfire risk through education, home assessments, and proactive mitigation efforts.”

The IAFC noted that the Ready, Set, Go! Program has succeeded because of participating departments’ commitment to reducing wildfire risk and engaging directly with residents. The organization also commended Gatlinburg Fire Department for its continued use of the program’s Achievement Management System to document fuel reduction efforts, home hardening projects, and community outreach initiatives.

The Gatlinburg Fire Department encourages residents to remain proactive in wildfire preparedness by participating in home assessment programs and maintaining defensible space around homes and structures.

For more information about wildfire preparedness and fire safety programs, contact the Gatlinburg Fire Department at 865-436-5112 or visit www.gatlinburgtn.gov

For the latest updates from the City of Gatlinburg, visit GatlinburgTN.gov or visit the City’s Social Media pages on Facebook and X. Individuals can also keep up with the latest from the City of Gatlinburg by downloading the City’s Mobile App on the Apple App Store or Google Play Store by searching for “City of Gatlinburg”

Recently, the Gatlinburg Fire Department hosted the Tennessee Fire and Codes Academy (TFACA) and their Mobile Training Tower.

TFACA delivered the Firefighter Skills Above Grade Fires course.

This course reinforced basic firefighter skills that allow them to operate efficiently and competently during above grade fires.

Ladder carries, raises, positioning, and victim rescues were performed by each student during the course. Basic ropes and knots were also covered for the purpose of safely securing ladders and halyards. Participants also performed skills associated with quickly and safely hoisting tools to upper divisions through the use of proper rope and knot techniques.

With the numerous high rise buildings and large cabins we have in the City of Gatlinburg, this course provided by TFACA will continue to keep our firefighters prepared and ready to respond to the many residents and visitors of Gatlinburg.

Did you know the Gatlinburg Fire Department offers free FireWise evaluations to help reduce wildfire risk around your home?

Earlier this winter, our team conducted a FireWise assessment for a resident. The property was identified as high risk, with one important recommendation being to clear leaves away from the home. Due to the steep terrain, the property owner was unable to safely complete the work themselves.

When the weather warmed up, we returned to lend a hand, clearing the leaves and helping make their home safer. The GFD is here to serve members of our community who may not be physically able to do this type of work.

The FireWise USA Program helps communities implement programs to identify wildfire hazards and develop mitigation to the dangers of fires at the local level. The GFD is here to help neighbors and work together to keep Gatlinburg safer.

To schedule a free FireWise evaluation of your property, contact the Gatlinburg Fire Department at 865-436-5112.

This morning, the Gatlinburg Fire Department proudly hosted a special ceremony recognizing both new beginnings and continued leadership within our ranks.

Firefighter/Paramedic James DeLaCruz was officially welcomed and sworn in to his position and is ready to serve and protect the citizens and visitors of Gatlinburg with dedication and professionalism.

Battalion Chiefs Chris Heckman, Josh Smith, and Steve Ebb have served with the Gatlinburg Fire Department for many years and this morning we pinned badges on each of these three. Their commitment, experience, and leadership play a vital role in keeping our community safe each and every day.

Please join us in congratulating all of these individuals on their accomplishments and continued service.

The Gatlinburg Fire Department has temporarily suspended the issuance of all burn permits due to ongoing dry conditions, low humidity, and an elevated wildfire risk across the region.

Officials say the suspension will remain in place until adequate rainfall and improved humidity levels reduce the threat.

“The Fire Department asks that everyone be mindful of the current dry conditions and take proactive steps to reduce fire danger,” said Gatlinburg Fire Chief David Gray. “Even small outdoor fires can quickly get out of control under these conditions and pose a serious risk to lives and property.”

Fire officials recommend the following safety measures: avoid burning debris or brush; properly dispose of smoking materials; use caution when operating outdoor equipment that may produce sparks; avoid parking vehicles on dry grass; and maintain a defensible space around homes by clearing leaves and other combustible materials.

Residents are encouraged to remain alert and report any signs of smoke or fire immediately by calling 911.

For more information about burn permits or fire safety, contact the Gatlinburg Fire Department at 865-436-5112. The Gatlinburg Fire Department requires burn permits for all outdoor burning year-round.

Joint News Release

𝐒𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐫 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐲 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐂𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐈𝐬𝐬𝐮𝐞 𝐁𝐮𝐫𝐧 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐍𝐨𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐞; 𝐏𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐜 𝐔𝐫𝐠𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐔𝐬𝐞 𝐄𝐱𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐦𝐞 𝐂𝐚𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧

Sevier County, in coordination with the Cities of Sevierville, Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg, and the Town of Pittman Center, is advising residents and visitors that no open burn permits are being issued at this time due to current weather and fuel conditions that increase the risk of wildfire and uncontrolled outdoor fires.

Officials want to emphasize that this action is considered a burn restriction, not a burn ban. In accordance with guidance from the Tennessee Division of Forestry, burn permits for debris burning are not being issued because the conditions are not safe for such fires.

While a burn ban is not currently in effect, activities such as campfires, outdoor cooking, and grilling are permitted, but should be done under extreme caution

A burn ban, by comparison, is a more severe measure issued by the Commissioner of Agriculture in coordination with the State Forester and local officials when conditions present a significant fire risk. Under a burn ban, all open-air burning is prohibited, including debris burning, campfires, and charcoal or wood-fired grills.

Even under current conditions, residents and visitors are strongly advised to exercise caution when using any outdoor fire source. Fires should be kept small, constantly attended, and fully extinguished before leaving the area. Water or other fire suppression tools should always be readily available.

Officials also stress the importance of early reporting. If you see concentrated smoke, visible flames, or a fire that appears to be spreading or uncontrolled, call 911 immediately so emergency responders can respond quickly.

Sevier County emergency services, fire departments, and city partners will continue to monitor conditions closely and will provide updates if additional restrictions become necessary.
Residents and visitors are encouraged to remain vigilant and help protect lives, property, and the natural resources of Sevier County by practicing safe fire behavior.

Stay alert and be prepared to receive emergency notifications. Sign up for CodeRED to receive critical safety alerts directly to your phone.

Sign up HERE: https://shorturl.at/Mu8xr

City of Sevierville, Tennessee Government
City of Pigeon Forge, Tennessee Government
City of Gatlinburg
Town of Pittman Center, TN City Hall