Sevier County Emergency Management Agency

06/01/2026

UPDATE: William Schmutzer, the subject of a , has been found safe.

Thanks for helping us to spread the word!

PREVIOUSLY POSTED:

We need your help to find William Schmutzer, who is missing from Sevier County.

The 74-year-old is 6’0”, 228 lbs., with gray hair and hazel eyes. William was last seen Monday morning in Sevierville, TN.

He has a medical condition that may impair his ability to return safely without assistance.

Spot him? Call the Sevierville Police Department at 865-453-5506 or TBI at 1-800-TBI-FIND!

For more details on this alert, TBI's Silver Alert program, and more resources, download the TBI Find App: tbi.pub/TBIFindApp

05/29/2026

☀️ Summer is here in Sevier County — and that means more time outdoors, more travel, and warmer temperatures across our community. As you enjoy the season, take a few moments to stay prepared!

🌡️ Stay hydrated
🧴 Wear sunscreen
⛈️ Monitor changing weather conditions
🚗 Never leave children or pets in vehicles
📱 Sign up for emergency alerts through CodeRed on sevierema.org to receive important notifications during emergencies and severe weather.

Stay cool and stay ready!

05/18/2026

As temperatures rise across East Tennessee, it’s important to stay prepared for hot weather conditions. ☀️🌡️

Heat-related illnesses can happen quickly, especially for children, older adults, outdoor workers, and pets. Remember to:
• Stay hydrated
• Limit outdoor activity during peak heat
• Never leave children or pets in vehicles
• Check on neighbors and loved ones

Stay informed during emergencies and severe weather by signing up for emergency alerts through CodeRed on sevierema.org. Receiving timely alerts can help keep you and your family safe when conditions change quickly.

05/16/2026

Effective today, burn permits issued through the Tennessee Department of Agriculture Division of Forestry are no longer required for open burning in Sevier County until October 15, 2026.

Although permits are not required during this period, all outdoor burning must still be conducted in accordance with all applicable Tennessee Division of Forestry regulations, Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) regulations, local ordinances, and all other applicable state laws.

The following safety requirements shall be observed at all times:

• Fires shall be constantly attended and supervised until fully extinguished
• An adequate method of fire control and extinguishment shall be immediately available at the burn site
• Open burning shall not be conducted within an unsafe distance of structures, vehicles, combustible materials, woodlands, or other exposures
• Burning shall not be conducted during hazardous weather or wind conditions that could cause fire spread or create a public safety hazard

Any person conducting open burning in violation of applicable laws, regulations, or safety requirements may be subject to enforcement action, citation, suppression costs, civil penalties, and/or criminal penalties as prescribed by Tennessee law.

Please burn responsibly and help protect the citizens, visitors, property, and natural resources of Sevier County.

05/14/2026

The Sevier County Medical Examiner’s Office staff recently attended the Sevier County Sheriff’s Office Joint Training Crime Scene Photography class instructed by retired TBI Special Agent Barry Carrier.

We appreciate the opportunity to train alongside our public safety partners and continue strengthening the skills that support professional and thorough investigations in Sevier County.

05/13/2026

Sevier County Emergency Management Agency was proud to participate in Career Quest 2026 at the Sevierville Convention Center today alongside agencies from across the county.

This event gave Sevier County students the opportunity to explore careers in emergency services, public safety, and public service while connecting directly with the men and women who serve our community every day. From fire and rescue to EMS, dispatch, and law enforcement, students were able to learn about the many rewarding career paths available right here in Sevier County.

We appreciate the chance to invest in the future of our community and help students discover careers that match their interests, passions, and desire to serve others.

04/30/2026

Emergency personnel from across Sevier County and the Cities of Sevierville, Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg, and the Town of Pittman Center are conducting a planned training exercise today, Thursday, April 30, in coordination with Dollywood.

Residents and visitors may notice an increased presence of emergency vehicles in the area. This is only a training exercise.

Please disregard any emergency activity at the park today.

Thank you for your awareness as crews conduct this important training.

04/28/2026

*****UPDATE CHILDREN LOCATED SAFE*****

*****UPDATE CHILDREN LOCATED SAFE*****

Sheriff Michael Hodges, Jr.
“We are incredibly thankful to report that the children have been located safe. Thank you to everyone who shared information, stayed alert, and helped spread the word. Your support truly made a difference. An arrest has been made in connection with this incident for custodial interference. I appreciate the swift efforts of the Sevier County Sheriff’s Office Detectives and law enforcement officials from St. Bernard Parish Sheriff’s Office in Chalmette, Louisiana.”

04/27/2026