Fire Destroys Residence, One Person Dies

Posted 02-26-19.

Sevierville Fire Department firefighters responded to a cabin fire just before 8 p.m. in Echota Resort last night, Monday, February 25, 2019. The cabin was located at 1010 Walini Way.

The cabin was fully engulfed when firefighters arrived and shortly after beginning to fight the fire, the second story and roof collapsed, causing the fire to increase. The fire was brought under control about an hour later.

There were two adult persons reportedly in the cabin at the time of the fire. Maureen Seils was able to escape through a bedroom window; she was uninjured. Gunter Seils was unable to escape and apparently died in the cabin.

Sevierville Police Department officers helped a nearby resident evacuate her cabin until the fire was under control. One cabin next door to the fire received minor exterior damage.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

In addition to the SFD and SPD, the Pigeon Forge, Sevier County and Northview Fire Departments also responded, as did the Sevier County Ambulance Service.