This presentation will take an in-depth look at the lessons learned from the 2016 wildfires in the Great Smoky Mountains. The exceptional drought and wind conditions in late November 2016 caused an initial wildfire within the national park boundary to explode into an event that ultimately burned 17,900 acres, destroyed 2,460 structures, claimed the lives of 14 individuals, and caused an estimated $2 billion in damages. Right in the thick of this event was the Pigeon Forge Fire Department, which had been full-time career for less than a decade. Through these trying times, many lessons were learned, which will be shared along with many personal harrowing stories.