[Magdalen] Update--Tennessee Wildfires

[Jay Weigel]

The count so far: 7 known dead; an unknown number missing, although 10 are
confirmed; over 700 buildings destroyed. As of yesterday evening, here are
the statistics from the Southern Red Fire Team, which has assumed control:
the fire is about 10% contained. The fire covers about 15,653 acres. The
area around the fire received 1.2 to 1.7 inches of rain, but the area is in
the midst of a months-long drought. There are currently 9 crews, 22
engines, 7 helicopters, 4 dozers and 285 personnel working the fire.

Other bits of news, good and bad, that I have gleaned:

My friend Steve did not lose his house. The fire came close, but he was
able to go back yesterday, and the house was okay. Deo gratias!

The first victim of the fire has been identified.Alice Hagler, 70, had been
on the phone with her son, telling him that the house was on fire. He told
her to get out, but she had bilateral hip replacements and did not get
around well.She was unable to escape the fire.

Three brothers from the same family, Branson, Wesley, and Phillip, are in
critical but stable condition in the Vanderbilt burn unit. Their parents
are among those reported missing. There is another person in the UT
hospital burn unit.

Dolly Parton, a Sevier County homegirl, has pledged $1000 per month for 6
months through her Dollywood Foundation to every family who lost their
home. That's our girl!

One of the first groups to collect and send supplies was the Knoxville
Muslim charitable association, which immediately loaded up a truck with
bottled water, snacks, etc. for firefighters and service workers as well as
for those in shelters and continues to load another.