It was back to business for the city of Gatlinburg as the main streets filled with visitors and the stores and shops reopened for the holidays Friday. The city was the focus of the nation for the past two weeks as fatal wildfires torched the tourist haven taking 14 lives, injuring over 160 and damaging over 1700 structures. Those who live in the town were glad to be home and employees at shops said that they were thankful to return to work. Major roadways were opened back up, but some city roadways remained closed for utility work. Officials say that two juveniles are to blame for setting the devastating fires. They are currently being held in the Sevier County Juvenile Detention Center charged with aggravated arson.

In a related story:

Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam has sent a request to President Barack Obama to expedite a major disaster declaration for five Tennessee counties in order to get needed federal assistance to aid in recovery from wildfires and severe storms. Those counties included in Haslam’s request are Coffee, McMinn, Polk, Sequatchie and Sevier. A presidential disaster declaration could help the five counties with costs for debris removal, emergency protective measures, rebuilding and repairing roads, bridges, water control facilities, buildings, utilities and recreational facilities. A federal disaster declaration, if awarded, may also help qualifying individuals with direct assistance.