Disaster Relief Lieutenant Kim Ogle Tennessee Highway Patrol
Gatlinburg Wildfire: The Perfect Storm It was literally a perfect storm for catastrophe. The nearly 18,000 acre wildfire killed 14 people in the homes, chalets, cabins, and condominiums that ring the ridges around the main thoroughfare through Gatlinburg. Some 14,000 people had to flee the area; 140 were injured. Multitudes of pets perished as 1,700 homes and businesses were destroyed or damaged.
Phase I: Initial Response: Evacuation, Search and Rescue Timeline November 28, 2016 The first twelve hours: 1817 hours: Gatlinburg request help from the Tennessee Highway Patrol 1840 hours: Trolley maps given for troopers to be issued as they arrived 1925 hours: Strike Team 1 and composite team on scene 2013 hours: Advised troopers to leave Ski Mountain due to fire taking it over
Phase I: Initial Response: Evacuation, Search and Rescue Timeline 2052 hours: Troopers and TDOT workers trapped on the Spur by falling trees 2113 hours: Lost all cell service and WIFI service 2226 hours: CP relocated to Community Center due to fire encroaching 2304 hours: Strike Team 1 sent to Baskins Creek for report of trapped people 2320 hours: Strike Team 1 exits vehicles and goes in on foot 2341 hours: Strike Team 1 locates people
Phase I: Initial Response: Evacuation, Search and Rescue Timeline 2342 hours: Strike Team 1 advises bringing 10 people out. Have a burn victim and a 2 year old that will be carried out November 29, 2016 0153 hours: Troopers attempting to get to Park Vista, trees down. Need back hoe 0224 hours: People trapped on Campbell Lead Road 0508 hours: Unable to get to Cherokee Nest due to power lines down
Phase I: Initial Response: Evacuation, Search and Rescue Timeline 0511 hours: All units cancel on Campbell Lead Road. It is impassable 0602 hours: Strike Teams 2 and 6 arrive and briefed 0615: Special Ops arrive and briefed
Phase I: Initial Response: Evacuation, Search and Rescue Timeline During the first twelve hours a total of 68 troopers were deployed to the Gatlinburg wildfire. Close to 14,000 people were evacuated. Numerous lives were saved. Our mobile command post was on scene and being utilized. No troopers were injured during this event.
Phase II: Search and Recovery On November 30, 2016 we changed our mission from Search and Rescue to Search and Recovery. The teams had a mixture of troopers, local officers, and K 9 cadaver dogs.
Phase II: Search and Recovery The 911 maps were enlarged and grids were divided up for a thorough search. There were areas that were still too hot for us to enter, therefore we had to back track once it was safe to search.
Phase II: Search and Recovery The Search and Recovery lasted for a week. During the mission there were a total of 14 individuals located and later identified. All people reported missing were located.
Phase III: Town Opens To Public On December 9, 2016 Gatlinburg opened up to the public. Some areas were still closed off and controlled by roadblocks. A total of 50 troopers were utilized, along with local law enforcement and neighboring law enforcement to accomplish this task. On December 17, 2016 all assisting agencies were released from the city of Gatlinburg.
Phase IV: After Action/Roundtable Manpower and equipment utilized during event Manpower 11,026 hours Vehicle miles 29,579 Tires replaced 24 Boots replaced due to bottoms melting 8 sets
Phase IV: After Action/Roundtable Pros: Initial organization/tasking with locals Speed of response Strike Teams Communication system Vital to the success NIMS training MACS (multi agency coordinating system) Dedication of personnel Communication between teams Resource deployment TN All Hazards Plan
Phase IV: After Action/Roundtable Pros: Logistics lodging, food, and water Welfare of personnel enough personnel to relieve people on post assignments Good public perception/relations Teamwork Debriefing This is a critical element that cannot be overlooked
Phase IV: After Action/Roundtable Cons: No local unified command for the first 2 hours No topographical maps (trolley stop maps) Technology failure cell phones and Wi Fi (when bad things happen, technology can fail and we have become dependent on technology) Resource tracking staged for multiple hours TERT personnel not trained (Technical Emergency Response Training)
Phase IV: After Action/Roundtable Cons: Equipment Need Hot Sticks (used for downed power lines), chainsaws, mask, safety glasses Failure to place dispatcher in Mobile Command Post Standardized forms Mobile Command Post training needed for proper operation of equipment
Contact Information Lieutenant Kim Ogle Tennessee Highway Patrol 7601 Kingston Pike Knoxville, TN 37919 865 223 3952