West: TN's the Volunteer state

By MIKE WEST

They don't call Tennessee the Volunteer State for nuthin.

The quick response from volunteers across the state helped mitigate the disaster caused by devastating forest fires in the Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge area.

Extremely dry conditions and high winds contributed to the forest fire which was started by a human.

National Park Service officials said early indications are the Gatlinburg fires stem from a man-made fire that originally started at the Chimney Tops Trail on November 23.

Dana Soehn with the National Parks Service says the fire at Chimney Tops Trail in the Great Smoky Mountains started creeping over steep, rocky terrain, originally consuming about 2-3 acres Soehn says. Located approximately 4-5 miles from Gatlinburg, the Chimney Tops Trail fire continued to spread after winds picked up on Sunday.

While the disastrous fire came as a shock to most Tennesseans, a similar blaze has been predicted for years by at least one expert, Henri D. Grissino-Mayer, a professor of geography at UT. For years, Grissino-Mayer has been giving talks on the subject, "Will Our Great Smoky Mountains One Day Go Up in Flames?"

Before the mid-1900s, major fires were a "once-dominant disturbance in Appalachian forests, Grissino-Mayer said. Widespread fires burned in the Smokies until widespread fire suppression was introduced, greatly reducing the number of human-ignited fires.

Nevertheless, the rebuilding process is beginning already. Tennesseans persevere ... always have. Help is pouring in thanks to the millions of people who cherish the Smokies.

Most notable is the helping hand being offered by Smoky Mountain native Dolly Parton.

Dolly announced an effort to establish a fund to assist the victims of the Great Smoky Mountain wildfires in Tennessee. The new "My People Fund" will provide $1,000 each month to Sevier County families who lost their homes.

"I've always believed charity begins at home and my home is some place special," Parton explained. "We want to provide a hand up to those families who have lost everything in the fires. I know it has been a trying time for my people and this assistance will help get them back on their feet," she said.

Anyone who would like to contribute to the My People Fund may visit dollywoodfoundation.org.

Unfortunately, for every person like Dolly Parton there are others looking to scam the public.

Tennessee Secretary of State Tre Hargett is urging people to use caution when trying to help fire victims.

"Do not be pressured into giving cash donations to people that you don't know. Unfortunately, during disasters there are scam artists who prey on our generosity. However, I still encourage Tennesseans to be generous but smart about contributions so that we maximize recovery efforts," Hargett said.

If you are asked for a donation via text or email, verify it is directly from the charity or nonprofit.

Do your own research and don't assume a social media or blog recommendation has been approved by the nonprofit.

If you give through an app or website, ask if it is going directly to the organization.

Avoid giving cash. Always ask for a receipt and if your contribution is tax deductible.

Pay close attention to the name of the nonprofit organization, as there are many with similar names.

"We will continue to pray for those who have lost so much during these devastating fires and for the people who are dedicated to providing tireless assistance and support during this recovery effort," Secretary Hargett said.

To look up information about charities or solicitors, visit sos.tn.gov/Charitable or call the division at (615) 741-2555 or toll free at 1-800-861-7393.