Businesses Destroyed as Fire Guts Block in Tennessee Resort Town

A fire gutted a city block in downtown Gatlinburg, destroying a dozen businesses and landmarks in the popular Smoky Mountain resort town, authorities said.

Several firefighters were treated for smoke inhalation and heat exhaustion, but no other injuries were reported. The fire started Tuesday night and was brought under control early Wednesday.

The flames and pouring smoke attracted hundreds of spectators in the eastern Tennessee town of 3,500, which swells to about 40,000 during summer and fall, the height of tourist season. Some tourists helped carry fire hoses, while others watched from hotel balconies.

“It was like a movie, with fire shooting out of the tops of buildings, crowds everywhere and police trying to control the people,” said Jerry Garren, whose Nashville South supper club a block from the fire was not damaged.

Authorities said the fire engulfed 12 businesses--including the Ripley’s Believe It or Not Museum and Rebel Corner, a souvenir store--all located on one city block.

Fire officials did not speculate on the cause. Witnesses said the fire apparently began in a neon sign in front of a T-shirt shop.

Most of the burned buildings are owned by J. C. Enterprises, said Jeanne Eberhardt, bookkeeper for the company, who estimated the damage at millions of dollars.

“It looks like there won’t be a building on the main street without damage. Some will be a complete loss,” said Brad Hodson, night auditor and desk clerk at Midtown Lodge, located across the street from the fire.