Monroe newlyweds evacuated from Gatlinburg during honeymoon

GATLINBURG, T.N. — Two newlyweds from Monroe were only days into their honeymoon, enjoying the sights and sounds of the mountains, when wildfires exploded in Gatlinburg, Tennessee.

“We looked over to the left and saw the mountain on fire. The winds were horrendous. It was like driving through a tornado,” Lindsay Helms said.

Lindsay and Mark Helms said that they were driving back to Gatlinburg Sunday night after a romantic dinner in a nearby town when they saw the flames.

“We got back to where our cabin was, and looked and our mountain was on fire. So that scared us to death. At this point, we knew weren't going to stay where we were,” Lindsay Helms said.

They were evacuated Monday night after the fire exploded.

“We are so thankful that we are here. We only have the clothes that we have on. That’s all we have. All of our belongings are in the cabin,” Lindsay Helms said.

The Helms were able to return to the cabin Wednesday and found that it wasn't burned in the fire and they were able to gather their belongings.

The Gatlinburg fire has already destroyed more than 100 structures.

The Helms said they are thinking of the firefighters battling the flames and are sending prayers to those who are in the worst of it.

“Our hearts do go out to the people who lost their homes. It’s really scary. It’s heartbreaking,” Lindsay Helms said.

While the the wildfires may have interrupted their honeymoon, they said they're staying positive and still trying to enjoy their trip in Newport before coming back home and starting their new life together.

“It's all what you make. We are still trying to make the best of it,” Lindsay Helms said.

Donations for firefighters are being collected by Joey's Autobody and Paint shop in Bessemer City.

The address for the shop is 706 East Georgia Ave, Bessemer City 28016.

They are accepting collections from now until 2 p.m. on Saturday. They will be leaving Sunday morning to take the donations to Tennessee.

Cox Media Group