GATLINBURG, Tenn.—Wildfires that have scorched at least 250 buildings in eastern Tennessee have not yet touched credit unions, according to the Tennessee CU League.
Wildfires pushed by 70 mile-per-hour winds quickly moved down from the Smokey Mountains and have hit the resort towns of Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge the hardest, according to reports.
Fred Robinson, president and CEO of the league, told CUToday.info that credit unions have avoided damage, and have not closed.
“We sent out a request to all of the credit unions near the affected areas and they a responded saying that they have suffered no damage,” said Robinson.
Robinson said that hopefully will remain the situation, as no credit unions are located in the hardest hit areas, he said.
“But I am sure credit union members have been affected. So our credit unions will be looking to provide assistance,” said Robinson.
Reports indicate that responders still are trying to evaluate the destruction caused by the flames. CNN.com reported that more than 14,000 residents and visitors are believed to have been evacuated from Gatlinburg alone. Evacuations also have been ordered in other communities including Pigeon Forge. About 12 people were taken to hospitals, mostly with non-life-threatening injuries, CNN.com reported.