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Downtown Gatlinburg Reopens To The Public

'Welcome Back, Mountain Tough'

Downtown Gatlinburg has reopened to the public nearly two weeks after deadly fires swept through the area.

Posted at 8:53 AM, Dec 09, 2016

and last updated 2016-12-09 19:23:12-05

Downtown Gatlinburg has reopened to the public nearly two weeks after deadly fires swept through the area.

The words, "Welcome back. Mountain Tough" greeted visitors as they passed the welcome sign heading into town.

"Welcome Back, Mountain Tough." #GatlinburgStrong @NC5 pic.twitter.com/6wFGAaNkgf
— Jason Lamb (@NC5_JasonLamb) December 9, 2016

The city has been shut down since last Monday, when tens of thousands of people were evacuated as flames tore through the mountain community.

Fourteen people were killed in the fires, while more than 1,700 homes and business were either damaged or destroyed.

PHOTOS: Sky 5 Aerials Of Sevier County Fire Damage

Images taken from Sky 5 reveal just a glimpse of the destruction across the area. In Gatlinburg, some homes were leveled, while others just feet away were seemingly untouched.

Downtown #Gatlinburg looks like it's back to normal but just above town sits hundreds of homes w/ nothing but foundation standing. @NC5 pic.twitter.com/ZNEIfPhcGn
— Catherine Steward (@CatherineL_S) December 9, 2016

Fire raged around both sides of the Gatlinburg Sky Lift, destroying parts of the Westgate Resort.

City leaders hope visitors help in the recovery by bringing their business back to Sevier County.

Two juveniles have been charged with aggravated arson for their alleged roles in starting the fires.

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Downtown Gatlinburg Reopens To The Public

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