News release
Sevier County Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP) Approved by State of Tennessee
Sevier County, Tennessee (August 3, 2026) – Sevier County, in partnership with the Cities of Sevierville, Pigeon Forge, and Gatlinburg, the Town of Pittman Center, the Tennessee Department of Agriculture Division of Forestry, and Great Smoky Mountains National Park, is proud to announce that the Sevier County Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP) has been officially approved by the State of Tennessee. A signing ceremony was held last week at Herbert Holt Park in Gatlinburg to commemorate the event.
The plan was signed by Tennessee Division of Forestry Fire Management Unit Leader David Fiorella, marking a significant milestone in the county’s ongoing efforts to reduce wildfire risk, enhance preparedness, and strengthen community resilience.
The CWPP is a comprehensive, community-driven framework developed through a collaborative, multi-agency process involving Sevier County, the City of Sevierville, the City of Pigeon Forge, the City of Gatlinburg, the Town of Pittman Center, the Tennessee Division of Forestry, and Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The process also included participation from local fire departments, Firewise USA communities, and other key stakeholders.
The grant supporting the development of the CWPP was provided through the Community Wildfire Defense Grant, a U.S. Forest Service program focused on improving community safety and wildfire preparedness nationwide. The CWPP will help guide future projects and programs, and it will also allow the County to apply for additional funding to carry out those efforts. Communities across the country are creating similar plans to help identify local needs and secure funding for important wildfire prevention and safety initiatives.
Development of the plan included months of coordination, data collection, wildfire risk assessments, and public engagement. Community members, business owners, and local leaders were invited to participate through public meetings held in Gatlinburg and Sevierville, where attendees had the opportunity to review proposed strategies, provide feedback, and help shape the plan’s priorities.
The CWPP aligns with the National Cohesive Wildland Fire Management Strategy and focuses on three key priorities:
- Restoring and maintaining fire-resilient landscapes
- Creating fire-adapted communities
- Improving safe and effective wildfire response
The plan includes wildfire risk assessments and mitigation strategies for all cities, towns, and fire protection districts within Sevier County, providing a coordinated roadmap to reduce risk and improve preparedness countywide.
As a living document, the CWPP will continue to evolve and will guide future wildfire mitigation projects, strengthen interagency coordination, and help ensure continued eligibility for state and federal funding opportunities.
Sevier County remains committed to working alongside its municipal partners, state and federal agencies, and the community to promote wildfire awareness, preparedness, and prevention.