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Wildfires fueled by high winds roared through parts of the Great Smoky Mountains, burning the doorstep of the Dollywood theme park, destroying a resort and chasing thousands of people from their homes. In its ashy wake were scorched cars and buildings, and soot-covered debris covered in a smoky haze, the Associated Press reported .

But Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies posted a hopeful update Tuesday afternoon. All its animals are safe.

NEW: Gatlinburg attraction's owners aren't sure if their building survived

Earlier reports were harrowing.

The aquarium also shared this user's video showing the town under smoky siege:

Photos: Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies

Credit: Jennifer Brett

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Credit: Jennifer Brett

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Fulton County Superior Court Judge Robert McBurney — pictured during a hearing Monday, Dec. 15, 2025 — has cleared the way for Georgia's State Election Board to obtain Fulton ballots and other documents from the 2020 election. (Arvin Temkar/AJC)

Credit: Arvin Temkar/AJC