Structure Loss, Damage Set at $12M in Tennessee Wildfire

Sevier County, Tenn., authorities estimate the loss in a wildfire earlier this month at about $12 million.

The Mountain Press reported the figure includes only the value of the cabins destroyed or damaged in the March 17 fire at Black Bear Ridge Resort and not damage to the property.

County Emergency Management Agency Director John Matthews said authorities have revised downward the number of cabins affected by the fire, reducing it from 81 to 73. Matthews said it was discovered that some concrete pads had not yet been built upon.

The dollar figure is based upon property values on file at the county assessor’s office.

It appears only one person lost a permanent home.

There were no deaths and only minor injuries to a few firefighters.