An early-morning fire tore through two large barns at SkyLand Ranch in Sevierville on Friday, leaving both buildings destroyed but, according to officials, with no reported human injuries. Crews were called to the mountaintop attraction shortly after 2 a.m. and spent the morning chasing hot spots and protecting nearby wooded areas. Park staff and first responders said animals were accounted for, while investigators continued working to pin down how the fire started. City and park officials urged the public to stay patient as emergency teams wrapped up their on-site work.
Sevierville officials told WATE that 911 calls started coming in between roughly 2:00 and 2:30 a.m., and arriving crews found two barns that housed horses and small animals already fully engulfed. A city spokesperson said the animals are believed to have gotten out of the barns during the fire and that first responders were working to account for livestock and other animals on the property.
What crews found on arrival
As reported by WVLT, firefighters called the barns a total loss and shifted their efforts to a nearby wooded area to make sure the flames did not spread. WVLT also noted there were no reported injuries among employees or emergency personnel as crews carried out mop-up work and stabilized the scene.
Animals accounted for, park says
SkyLand Ranch said on its official channels that the animals on the property were safe and accounted for and publicly thanked first responders for their efforts, according to the park’s statement after the fire. Management asked the public to stick to official updates while crews remained on scene and investigators looked into what sparked the blaze.
About the attraction
The mountaintop venue covers roughly 100 acres and was developed as a roughly $40 million family attraction, featuring a chairlift, the Wild Stallion mountain coaster, retail and dining options, and a petting and animal area that helps draw visitors to the Smokies, according to Visit My Smokies. Since opening in recent years, SkyLand Ranch has become a prominent stop along the Parkway, across from the Tanger outlets.
Earlier animal-welfare inquiry
SkyLand Ranch previously faced scrutiny when a livestock welfare complaint led to a state inquiry in April 2024, the Tennessee Department of Agriculture confirmed at the time, WVLT reported. That review was separate from the current fire response and did not, at that time, result in any publicly disclosed ongoing enforcement actions.
What comes next
City officials and the park said investigators will stay on site to determine the cause of the fire and to assess structural and operational impacts, and officials declined to guess at any timeline for repairs or reopening. For the latest statements from emergency officials and SkyLand Ranch, see updates from WATE and the park’s official channels.
