The city of Gatlinburg is working to be recognized as a "Firewise" community by the National Fire Protection Association.
A community meeting was held Tuesday at the Gatlinburg Fire Department as a part of the Firewise accreditation.
Residents signed up for emergency alerts and learned about ways to protect their home from wildfires, such as removing brush and using fire resistant landscaping.
Gardening groups also encouraged property owners to replace burned vegetation with species native to East Tennessee.
Organizers want to make Gatlinburg Firewise because many of their homes and business are in wooded areas.
“That forested area and your home, you're wanting that separation of fuel continuity between the woods and your house,” says Captain David Puckkett with the Gatlinburg Fire Department. “The only way you can do that is to be Firewise.”
Gatlinburg plans to submit their Firewise application by the end of next month.