The man killed in the downtown Gatlinburg fire has been identified

GATLINBURG, Tenn. (WVLT) – One person was killed and another injured in a massive fire in downtown Gatlinburg on Sunday.

The Gatlinburg Fire Department was dispatched to the 700 block of Parkway in downtown Gatlinburg at 6:39 a.m. Oct. 9, a city spokesman said.

While extinguishing the fire, crews found the body of one person inside the structure. It was a person According to the Sevier County Medical Examiner’s Office, Joe Martin Bates, 54.

In addition, authorities confirmed that a firefighter was taken to the hospital with minor fire injuries, but was later released.

In total, GFD crews, in addition to Pigeon Forge Fire Department, Sevierville Fire Department, Sevier County EMS and Pittman Center Fire Department, assisted in extinguishing the fire.

Businesses affected by the fire include Puckers Sports Bar, China Bazaar, Cafe 420 and Gifts of Gatlinburg, according to WVLT News crews at the scene.

The Parkway in downtown Gatlinburg has reopened from traffic light #6 to Reagan Drive after being closed Sunday morning, according to a release.

One of the owners of the affected businesses called the contractor to demolish the damaged part of the building.

All sidewalks downtown have reopened as permanent fencing is installed around the building by the property owner after the fire.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation by GFD, the Gatlinburg Police Department and the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation.

Anyone with information is urged to contact the Tennessee Arson Hotline at 1-800-762-3017 or the GFD at 865-436-5112.

Copyright 2022 WVLT. All rights reserved.