06/02/2026
EXPECTATION ➡️ REALITY
Our quarterly interagency training was originally planned to include support from G Company 1-111th MEDEVAC and UH-60 Black Hawks.
Unfortunately, weather had other plans.
While the aircraft couldn't participate, responders from across East Tennessee still came together to train on patient packaging, litter operations, and interagency coordination.
Search and rescue missions rarely go exactly as planned. Training shouldn't either. And it's a great reminder to all that the helos may not be coming to save the day.
Special thanks to Blount Partnership for letting us host the training at their location.
And thanks to everyone who participated:
• G Company 1-111th MEDEVAC • Townsend Fire Department • Blount County Rescue Squad • Blount County Special Operations Response Team • Knoxville Fire Department Special Operations Team • Great Smoky Mountains National Park • Team BUSAR • American Medical Response (AMR)
The helicopters didn't make it.
The rescuers did.
05/22/2026
Conditions this Memorial Day weekend may be more challenging than many visitors expect.
Rain, slick terrain, low visibility, changing temperatures, and limited cell service can quickly turn a short hike into a difficult situation. Roads will be slick, the there may be fog and high traffic.
Before heading into the mountains:
• Check the forecast
• Carry rain gear and extra layers
• Bring water, food, a map, and a light source
• Let someone know your plans
• Don’t rely solely on cell service
Most outdoor emergencies start as small problems that slowly compound.
Preparation matters.
05/10/2026
We’re incredibly grateful to Gary Lindsey Firecracker Fishing Tournament for their generous $5,650 donation in support of Team BUSAR.
Support like this directly helps us continue our mission assisting search and rescue operations in the Smokies, training, and backcountry safety education.
Every dollar strengthens our ability to serve when the call comes.
To everyone involved with this tournament, thank you for investing in preparedness, public safety, and supporting the mission.
Your support truly makes a difference.
05/01/2026
In case you missed the full artcile
The most-visited national park in the country is seeing a spike in spring rescues. Along with emergency calls, search and rescue crews continue to see dangerous trends on specific trails.
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park covers more than 500,000 acres and sees more than 12 million visitors every year. With that vast area and volume of people, there are multiple search and rescue missions every month.
When it comes to where those calls are mainly happening in the backcountry, ground crews and responders in the air say there are definitely "hot spots."
🔗 https://www.wbir.com/article/news/great-smoky-mountains-national-park-tn/most-dangerous-trails-in-the-smokies-hot-spots-for-emergency-calls/51-59977c6a-ef1f-4934-a235-6ebf45a70ae3?utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook_WBIR_Channel_10
✍️ Katie Inman, 10News Anchor
05/10/2026
05/01/2026