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MPR News Staff

Minnesota firefighter helps battle Tennessee wildfires

Burned-out business
Smokes rises out of the remains of a burned-out business Wednesday, Nov. 30, 2016, in Gatlinburg, Tenn., after a wildfire swept through the area Monday.
Mark Humphrey | AP

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Firefighter Brian Pisarek has been in Knoxville, Tennessee now for two-weeks helping local firefighters battle what are being called the worst wildfires in that state in a century.

Pisarek is one of dozens of firefighters from Minnesota who have traveled south to help their colleagues fight fires that have claimed at least seven lives.

This morning, communities across eastern Tennessee are now trying to recover from yet two more natural disasters: tornadoes and flooding that have killed at least five.

MPR's Cathy Wurzer spoke with Pisarek on the experience.

To listen to their conversation, click the audio player above.