Holston Conference leaders are asking United Methodists to be prepared but patient while waiting for information about how best to help victims of a wildfire that has destroyed more than 150 homes and businesses this week in Gatlinburg and other parts of eastern Tennessee. Authorities say four people have been killed and 45 others injured in the blaze which has consumed more than 15,000 acres in the Great Smoky Mountains. Holston leaders are checking on churches, parsonages and members in the tourist region now turned disaster area and the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) is offering financial aid. Holston Conference will also accept financial donations with checks made to “Holston Conference” and “Holston Wildfire #864” on the memo line. Mail to: Holston Conference, P.O. Box 850, Alcoa, TN 37701. Online giving is also possible at Holston.org/wildfires. To read more on how you can help click here.