On roughly November 23, 2016 two teens from Clinton, TN were hiking Chimney Tops Trail in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park outside of Gatlinburg.. as they hiked, they were lighting matches and tossing them... 5 days later this resulted in 14 dead, many homeless and many jobless.. the estimated damage is already over $600 million. But you cannot put a price on the 14 lives lost... I do agree that as the fire was still small, that the park service should have done something to prevent the spreading as they were aware of the upcoming 60-80mph winds.. but not taking necessary protocol led to a short and improper evacuation... I do think that officials of Gatlinburg and National Park Service should be charged/ penalized for this catastrophe as well as the teens should be tried as adults and suffer maximum penalty and then some.. because if the matches had not been lit in an area going through a 3 month drought in the first place, this never would have happened. If they're old enough and ignorant enough to light/ toss matches in a wooded area in a 3 month drought... then they're old enough to be tried as adults... I got lots of negative comments and feedback last time I attempted this petition.. And if U don't agree with what I am trying to accomplish, plz keep scrolling and move on.. I am looking for support, not drama.. and if u do support this, plz sign this petition and stay Smokies Strong!
