GATLINBURG, Tenn.—The Gatlinburg Fire Department has received national recognition for its ongoing efforts to reduce wildfire risk and improve community safety through wildfire mitigation and home assessment programs.
The International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) recently honored the Gatlinburg Fire Department as a 2025 Active Program Member in the national Ready, Set, Go! Program, which promotes wildfire preparedness and community risk reduction efforts. The recognition highlights the department’s work with residents to reduce wildfire hazards, harden homes, and improve wildfire awareness throughout the community.
As part of the recognition, the Gatlinburg Fire Department ranked among the top wildfire mitigation agencies in the nation. The department placed in the top 10 nationally among combination fire departments for overall wildfire risk reduction hours and ranked 4th nationally among all fire departments for completed home assessments. Gatlinburg Fire Department was recognized alongside departments from across the western United States and other wildfire-prone regions.
“These recognitions reflect the hard work and dedication of our firefighters and fire prevention personnel,” said Gatlinburg Fire Chief David Gray. “Wildfire preparedness is a year-round effort in our community, and we are proud to work with residents to help make Gatlinburg safer. Our team remains committed to reducing wildfire risk through education, home assessments, and proactive mitigation efforts.”
The IAFC noted that the Ready, Set, Go! Program has succeeded because of participating departments’ commitment to reducing wildfire risk and engaging directly with residents. The organization also commended Gatlinburg Fire Department for its continued use of the program’s Achievement Management System to document fuel reduction efforts, home hardening projects, and community outreach initiatives.
The Gatlinburg Fire Department encourages residents to remain proactive in wildfire preparedness by participating in home assessment programs and maintaining defensible space around homes and structures.
For more information about wildfire preparedness and fire safety programs, contact the Gatlinburg Fire Department at 865-436-5112 or visit www.gatlinburgtn.gov
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