Hear the radio version of this story.
By now, his wildfire escape has been viewed by millions. And Michael Luciano, of Gatlinburg, is very aware he’s developed a following for his ongoing Facebook video dispatches.
They take viewers where journalists have not been allowed. And he’s using the moment to send a message.
“Don’t let the fire and the devastation and the loss of lives keep you from visiting,” he says in one video. “This area’s still beautiful and it’s going to be beautiful for a long time.”
While Luciano’s first video captured a hellish and frantic descent through fire, his mission has shifted to spreading images of the good that remains — like cabins, scenic views and the community cleanup.
“If you are coming here on vacation, or you had New Year’s plans or Christmas plans, don’t cancel them,” Luciano told NPR’s Here & Now as Gatlinburg prepared to reopen to the public on Friday.
“Gatlinburg does need your support, and if you don’t come, you know, it’s just going to hurt the community,” he said.
Like many, Luciano is tied to tourism, as a spa repairman for rental cabins. His home, somehow, was untouched. But he’s still displaced without utilities.
He said he’s looking forward to sleeping in his own bed, but knows others have it worse.
Several of his neighbors in Chalet Village are among the dead — and you can hear him processing that in his videos, even as he asks people to return.
Rising Tally Of Damaged Structures
Officials said Thursday that the firefighting team in Sevier County is in a “downward glide,” with numerous crews and several engines demobilized.
Starting Friday, the national park plans to reopen some roadways, including The Spur and U.S. 441. However, all trails in the fire area will remain closed as the blaze still isn’t fully contained.
The public will also be allowed back into Gatlinburg, whereas only business and homeowners had been permitted so far.
Authorities estimate the cost of fighting the Chimney Tops fire is now nearly $6 million. The federal government has pledged to cover most of that amount.
The wildfire has burned 17,000 acres and damaged 2,400 structures. More than 100 people remain in shelters.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qy8n0LnytYw
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