News: Death toll rises to 7 in Gatlinburg wildfires

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WILDFIRES WREAK HAVOC IN TENNESSEE Tennessee wildfires leave trail of destruction | 1:04

At least three people have been killed in Tennessee's devastating wildfires, and others are still missing. USA TODAY NETWORK

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WILDFIRES WREAK HAVOC IN TENNESSEE Stepbrothers film harrowing escape from TN Fire | 0:56

Thousands of people made "hell-like" escapes from wildfires that burned hundreds of homes, destroyed a resort in the Great Smoky Mountains and killed three people. Two stepbrothers caught their harrowing escape on their iPhone. (Nov. 29) AP

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WILDFIRES WREAK HAVOC IN TENNESSEE Over 100 Structures Damaged in Tenn. Wildfire | 2:08

City officials say that hundreds of homes and other buildings were damaged or destroyed by flames from wildfires in Tennessee. (Nov. 29) AP

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WILDFIRES WREAK HAVOC IN TENNESSEE General manager: 'All is fine' at Ripley's Aquarium | 0:51

Ryan Desear, general manager of Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies, talks about the Gatlinburg fire on Tuesday, Nov. 29, 2016. Michael Patrick

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WILDFIRES WREAK HAVOC IN TENNESSEE Gatlinburg homes, hotels ablaze as wildfires spread in the south | 0:54

But no deaths reported in Smoky Mountains blazes in Tenn. Time

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WILDFIRES WREAK HAVOC IN TENNESSEE Evacuations ordered as Tennessee wildfires rage | 1:36

Tennessee officials say thousands of residents and visitors in the Gatlinburg area have been evacuated and hundreds of structures have been damaged and destroyed by spreading wildfires. (Nov. 29) AP

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WILDFIRES WREAK HAVOC IN TENNESSEE Arrowmont executive director: Most of school saved from fire | 0:59

Bill May, executive director of Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts, says Tuesday, Nov. 29, 2016, that most of the school's property was saved from the fires in Gatlinburg. Michael Patrick/News Sentinel

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WILDFIRES WREAK HAVOC IN TENNESSEE Fire forces Ripley's Aquarium staff to leave animals behind | 1:23

Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies is home to nearly 11,000 animals, including some endangered species. The general manager says staff were forced to evacuate, but would rather sacrifice their own lives to save the animals. WBIR

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WILDFIRES WREAK HAVOC IN TENNESSEE Dramatic escape from Tennessee wildfire caught on camera | 1:28

As everything around them burned, two stepbrothers captured their harrowing drive to safety in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. USA TODAY NETWORK

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WILDFIRES WREAK HAVOC IN TENNESSEE First responders assembled for Sevier County wildfire response | 0:23

First responders have gathered at Gatlinburg-Pittman High School on Tuesday, Nov. 29, 2016, to aid in the Sevier County wildfire response. Amy Smotherman Burgess/News Sentinel

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Last Video Next Video

Tennessee wildfires leave trail of destruction
Stepbrothers film harrowing escape from TN Fire
Over 100 Structures Damaged in Tenn. Wildfire
General manager: 'All is fine' at Ripley's Aquarium
Gatlinburg homes, hotels ablaze as wildfires spread in the south
Evacuations ordered as Tennessee wildfires rage
Arrowmont executive director: Most of school saved from fire
Fire forces Ripley's Aquarium staff to leave animals behind
Dramatic escape from Tennessee wildfire caught on camera
First responders assembled for Sevier County wildfire response

Apartments near the Park Vista hotel in Gatlinburg, Tenn., were destroyed Nov. 29, 2016, after wildfires mixed with high winds the night before to cause widespread damage. (Photo: Amy Smotherman Burgess, Knoxville (Tenn.) __news Sentinel)

SEVIERVILLE, Tenn. — Seven people now have been confirmed dead in the wildfires that swept Gatlinburg this week, authorities said Wednesday.

Early assessments indicate more than 700 homes and businesses have been damaged or destroyed across Sevier County as flames whipped in high winds raged through town Monday night into Tuesday morning and displaced more than 14,000 residents, Sevier County Mayor Larry Waters said. Fire officials said that number includes about 300 buildings inside Gatlinburg city limits.

Witnesses called the inferno unlike any in the past century, and officials estimate that the wildfires have consumed more than 15,000 acres in the Great Smoky Mountains.

A firefighter also was hurt fighting the blaze, Waters said. The search continues for others who might have been killed or injured but not discovered because of blocked roads and power outages.

"We are trying to get into every area," Waters said. At least three people trapped because of fire damage had been rescued by Wednesday afternoon.

USA TODAY

Smell from Gatlinburg wildfires blows to southern Mich.

Eight new fires erupted Tuesday into Wednesday, Gatlinburg Fire Chief Greg Miller said. The heavy rains that followed the fires have created new challenges as firefighters continue to check hot spots and assess damages.

"We're experiencing small rockslides and mudslides as we have to go back into areas we previously thought were accessible," the chief said.

The blaze apparently began when embers from a wildfire on nearby Chimney Tops Trail in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park wafted Monday night into the Twin Creek and Mynatt Park areas of Gatlinburg as already heavy winds doubled in speed, Miller said. The resulting flames swept through Gatlinburg in less than 15 minutes, fanned by winds at speeds that approached 90 mph.

USA TODAY

Dollywood employee finds burned Bible page after wildfires

At least 14 people suffered fire-related injuries, four of them serious.

Three brothers of a Nashville-based band called the Renaissance Fair — Branson Summers, 23, and twins Wesley and Jared Summers, 22 — were in critical but stable condition at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville after being transferred there for burns and other injuries sustained in the fires, according to a hospital spokeswoman. Friends say their parents, Jon and Janet Summers of Memphis, haven't been found after the family went to the Smoky Mountains for a Thanksgiving weekend getaway and split up as they tried to escape when debris blocked their route.

More than 14,000 people had been forced to leave Gatlinburg alone, and about 500 from Pigeon Forge, officials estimated. More than 2,000 people had been taken to emergency shelters.

USA TODAY

Flooding now a concern in fire-ravaged Gatlinburg

Ken Lewis, manager of Red Cross shelter at Rocky Top Sports World in Gatlinburg, said Wednesday that 200 people were at the shelter, down from a peak of 700 Tuesday. A lot of evacuees have been able to connect with friends and family and find a place to stay.

Inside the shelter stacks of food, bottled water, personal hygiene items and diapers. Local restaurants have donated hot prepared food as well.

The shelter also has an abundance of pet food and pet supplies.

USA TODAY

Extent of Tennessee fire damage comes into grim focus

"We had trucks and supplies coming in all day long," Lewis said.

Right now the shelter has too much and workers are trying to channel some of the items back into the community, he said.

"If people want to help, we've got everything we need right now," Lewis said.

USA TODAY

Dolly Parton: 'Heartbroken' over fire destruction as Dollywood is spared

He recommended people make donations to the Red Cross or other local community agencies that are assisting people.

News of the fires has brought condolences and offers of support pouring into East Tennessee from across the USA, including from President-Elect Donald Trump and former Vice President Al Gore, a Tennessee native.

Contributing: Natalie Neysa Alund and Jim Myers, The Tennessean. Follow Hayes Hickman on Twitter: @KNS_Hayes

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Photos: Wildfire destroys more than 150 Gatlinburg homes, businesses

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Amber Simpson, who volunteers with Smoky Mountain Resort Ministries, helps residents of Gatlinburg displaced by the mandatory evacuations caused by the wild fires gather at Rocky Top Sport World on US321 just outside of town Wednesday, Nov. 30, 2016. Michael Patrick/News Sentinel

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Ken Lewis, Red Cross shelter manager, talks about supplies for residents of Gatlinburg displaced by the mandatory evacuations caused by the wild fires gather at Rocky Top Sport World on US321 just outside of town Wednesday, Nov. 30, 2016. Michael Patrick/News Sentinel

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Gatlinburg resident Teresa Tater-Goff walks her dog "Little Bit" outside the Rocky Top Sport World after a mandatory evacuation caused by the wild fires Wednesday, Nov. 30, 2016. Michael Patrick/News Sentinel

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Ken Lewis with the Red Cross said they have had lots of donations for residents of Gatlinburg displaced by the mandatory evacuations caused by the wild fires gather at Rocky Top Sport World on US321 just outside of town Wednesday, Nov. 30, 2016. Michael Patrick/News Sentinel

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Donations of water and fluids continue to come for residents of Gatlinburg displaced by the mandatory evacuations caused by the wild fires Wednesday, Nov. 30, 2016. These are at Rocky Top Sport World on US321 just outside of town. Michael Patrick/News Sentinel

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Gatlinburg resident Ric Morgan displaced by the mandatory evacuations caused by the wild fires at Rocky Top Sport World on US321 just outside of town Wednesday, Nov. 30, 2016. Michael Patrick/News Sentinel

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The Great Smoky Mountain Wheel lights up through thick smoke looming over Pigeon Forge on Tuesday, Nov. 29, 2016. BRIANNA PACIORKA/NEWS SENTINEL

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A thick layer of smoke looms over the Pigeon Forge Parkway on Tuesday, Nov. 29, 2016, just a day after forest fires burned the area. BRIANNA PACIORKA/NEWS SENTINEL

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Mountain Lodge restaurant on Highway 321 after wildfires mixed with high winds on Monday evening to cause widespread damage in the Gatlinburg area Tuesday, Nov. 29, 2016. AMY SMOTHERMAN BURGESS/NEWS SENTINEL

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Creek Place apartments after wildfires mixed with high winds on Monday evening to cause widespread damage in the Gatlinburg area Tuesday, Nov. 29, 2016. AMY SMOTHERMAN BURGESS/NEWS SENTINEL

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A view down Highway 321 after wildfires mixed with high winds on Monday evening to cause widespread damage in the Gatlinburg area Tuesday, Nov. 29, 2016. AMY SMOTHERMAN BURGESS/NEWS SENTINEL

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A local business burned out along Highway 321 after wildfires mixed with high winds on Monday evening to cause widespread damage in the Gatlinburg area Tuesday, Nov. 29, 2016. AMY SMOTHERMAN BURGESS/NEWS SENTINEL

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The Alamo restaurant after wildfires mixed with high winds on Monday evening to cause widespread damage in the Gatlinburg area Tuesday, Nov. 29, 2016. AMY SMOTHERMAN BURGESS/NEWS SENTINEL

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A hotel along Highway 321 after wildfires mixed with high winds on Monday evening to cause widespread damage in the Gatlinburg area Tuesday, Nov. 29, 2016. AMY SMOTHERMAN BURGESS/NEWS SENTINEL

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Wind damage blew a roof off of a hotel after wildfires mixed with high winds on Monday evening to cause widespread damage in the Gatlinburg area Tuesday, Nov. 29, 2016. AMY SMOTHERMAN BURGESS/NEWS SENTINEL

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A view of the Parkway in downtown Gatlinburg which has been evacuated, after wildfires mixed with high winds on Monday evening to cause widespread damage in the Gatlinburg area Tuesday, Nov. 29, 2016. AMY SMOTHERMAN BURGESS/NEWS SENTINEL

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Pi Beta Phi Elementary School in tact after wildfires mixed with high winds on Monday evening to cause widespread damage in the Gatlinburg area Tuesday, Nov. 29, 2016. AMY SMOTHERMAN BURGESS/NEWS SENT

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A cabin near the Park Vista hotel after wildfires mixed with high winds on Monday evening to cause widespread damage in the Gatlinburg area Tuesday, Nov. 29, 2016. AMY SMOTHERMAN BURGESS/NEWS SENT

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Apartments near the Park Vista hotel after wildfires mixed with high winds on Monday evening to cause widespread damage in the Gatlinburg area Tuesday, Nov. 29, 2016. AMY SMOTHERMAN BURGESS/NEWS SENT

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Apartments near the Park Vista hotel after wildfires mixed with high winds on Monday evening to cause widespread damage in the Gatlinburg area Tuesday, Nov. 29, 2016. AMY SMOTHERMAN BURGESS/NEWS SENT

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Gatlinburg Church of Christ on Reagan Dr. that was totally destroyed by the fire after wildfires mixed with high winds on Monday evening to cause widespread damage in the Gatlinburg area Tuesday, Nov. 29, 2016. AMY SMOTHERMAN BURGESS/NEWS SENTINEL

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Apartments across the street from Gatlinburg Church of Christ after wildfires mixed with high winds on Monday evening to cause widespread damage in the Gatlinburg area Tuesday, Nov. 29, 2016. AMY SMOTHERMAN BURGESS/NEWS SENTINEL

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Riverhouse Motorlodge after wildfires mixed with high winds on Monday evening to cause widespread damage in the Gatlinburg area Tuesday, Nov. 29, 2016. AMY SMOTHERMAN BURGESS/NEWS SENT

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Riverhouse Motorlodge after wildfires mixed with high winds on Monday evening to cause widespread damage in the Gatlinburg area Tuesday, Nov. 29, 2016. AMY SMOTHERMAN BURGESS/NEWS SENTINEL

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An area of destroyed homes Tuesday, Nov. 29, 2016, in Gatlinburg, Tenn. A wildfire ravaged the area leaving at least three people dead. Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean

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A small fire continues to burn n the woods Tuesday, Nov. 29, 2016, in Gatlinburg, Tenn. A wildfire ravaged the area leaving at least three people dead. Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean

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An area of multiple destroyed houses on Tuesday, Nov. 29, 2016, in Gatlinburg, Tenn. A wildfire ravaged the area leaving at least three people dead. Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean

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Destroyed houses as far as the eye can see Tuesday, Nov. 29, 2016, in Gatlinburg, Tenn. A wildfire ravaged the area leaving at least three people dead. Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean

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A burned out car rests outside a destroyed home Tuesday, Nov. 29, 2016, in Gatlinburg, Tenn. A wildfire ravaged the area leaving at least three people dead. Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean

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A burned out car rests outside a destroyed home Tuesday, Nov. 29, 2016, in Gatlinburg, Tenn. A wildfire ravished the area leaving at least three people dead. Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean

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Smoke is in the distance behind homes in Gatlinburg, Tenn., on Tuesday, Nov. 29, 2016, after an overnight wildfire destroyed more than 100 homes and businesses. Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean

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National Parks Service Rangers provide security on Conner Heights Rd. marking as far as cars are allowed to travel in Pigeon Forge on Tuesday, Nov. 29, 2016. CAITIE MCMEKIN/NEWS SENTINEL

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Evacuees and volunteers walk towards the parking lot of the Leconte Center in Pigeon Forge on Tuesday, Nov. 29, 2016. CAITIE MCMEKIN/NEWS SENTINEL

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Santa, who lives in the Gatlinburg area part of the

Bob Lochmiller, dressed as Santa, hands a child a stuffed animal in the Leconte Center in Pigeon Forge on Tuesday, Nov. 29, 2016. CAITIE MCMEKIN/NEWS SENTINEL

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Donations are organized in the Leconte Center in Pigeon Forge on Tuesday, Nov. 29, 2016. CAITIE MCMEKIN/NEWS SENTINEL

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Lilly Trammell of Gatlinburg, sits on the floor of the Leconte Center while watching a press conference given by Governor Bill Haslam on the state of Gatlinburg, on Tuesday, Nov. 29, 2016. CAITIE MCMEKIN/NEWS SENTINEL

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Bob Lochmiller, dressed as Santa, and Betty Lochmiller, dressed as Mrs. Claus, who both live in Pigeon Forge, hand out stuffed animals to children staying in the Leconte Center in Pigeon Forge on Tuesday, Nov. 29, 2016. CAITIE MCMEKIN/NEWS SENTINEL

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Polo Gutierrez climbs onto the foundation of a destroyed home to try and see if his apartment building is still standing, Tuesday, Nov. 29, 2016, in Gatlinburg, Tenn. Gutierrez fled his apartment with other residents as fires approached the previous night. Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean

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Remains of homes smolder on Tuesday, Nov. 29, 2016, in Gatlinburg, Tenn. Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean

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The foundation of a burned building smolders on Tuesday, Nov. 29, 2016, in Gatlinburg, Tenn. Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean

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A burned out Jeep and truck on Tuesday, Nov. 29, 2016, in Gatlinburg, Tenn. Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean

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A burned vending machine rests outside a destroyed building on Tuesday, Nov. 29, 2016, in Gatlinburg, Tenn. Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean

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A melted desk rests inside a destroyed building on Tuesday, Nov. 29, 2016, in Gatlinburg, Tenn. Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean

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A tow truck drives by a smoldering building Tuesday, Nov. 29, 2016, in Gatlinburg, Tenn. Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean

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Two cars are among the massive fire damanage Tuesday, Nov. 29, 2016, in Gatlinburg, Tenn. Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean

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Not much remains from this home on Tuesday, Nov. 29, 2016, in Gatlinburg, Tenn. Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean

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A power line smolders outside a destroyed home on Tuesday, Nov. 29, 2016, in Gatlinburg, Tenn. Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean

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Possessions from a destroyed home are reduced to ashes Tuesday, Nov. 29, 2016, in Gatlinburg, Tenn. Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean, Andrew Nelles / The Tennssean

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Michael Reed hugs a Red Cross volunteer as he continues to search for his missing wife and two daughters at the Rocky Top Sports World Red Cross shelter in Gatlinburg on Tuesday, Nov. 29, 2016. The family was separated during the wildfire evacuations. Amy Smotherman Burgess / Knoxville News Sentinel

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Members of the Reynolds and Lively families rest outside of the Rocky Top Sports World Red Cross shelter in Gatlinburg, Tenn. Tuesday, Nov. 29, 2016. They evacuated from Ellis Ogle Road overnight. AMY SMOTHERMAN BURGESS/NEWS SENTINEL

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Volunteers unload water at the Rocky Top Sports World Red Cross shelter in Gatlinburg, Tenn. Tuesday, Nov. 29, 2016. AMY SMOTHERMAN BURGESS/NEWS SENTINEL

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Denise Bearden and Little Bit wait outside of the Rocky Top Sports World Red Cross shelter in Gatlinburg, Tenn. Tuesday, Nov. 29, 2016. Bearded was evacuated from the Spruce Flats Motel around 11p.m. She works as a maid at the Brookside Resort. AMY SMOTHERMAN BURGESS/NEWS SENTINEL

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Women pray outside of the Leconte Center in Pigeon Forge on Tuesday, Nov. 29, 2016. CAITIE MCMEKIN/NEWS SENTINEL

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Dianna Bishop of Gatlinburg watches a friend's baby outside of the Leconte Center in Pigeon Forge, while waiting to board a trolley to shower, on Tuesday, Nov. 29, 2016. CAITIE MCMEKIN/NEWS SENTINEL

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Volunteers Kristiana Orem and Kailey Hoffner sort through donations at the LeConte Center in Pigeon Forge on Tuesday, Nov. 29, 2016. CAITIE MCMEKIN/NEWS SENTINEL

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Ryan Froelich, a resident of Chalet Village talks on the phone while he watches his children play in the Leconte Center in Pigeon Forge on Tuesday, Nov. 29, 2016. CAITIE MCMEKIN/NEWS SENTINEL

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Raelyn Conkright, 6, of Cosby sits in a bucket while volunteering with her mother at the Leconte Center in Pigeon Forge on Tuesday, Nov. 29, 2016. CAITIE MCMEKIN/NEWS SENTINEL

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Ryan Froelich, a resident of Chalet Village, looks up at his wife while his children play in the Leconte Center in Pigeon Forge on Tuesday, Nov. 29, 2016. CAITIE MCMEKIN/NEWS SENTINEL

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A chimney and a burned-out pickup are about all that's left of a residence on Troy Drive near Spring Valley Road in Pigeon Forge. Small trails of smoke still were rising into the morning sky Tuesday, Nov. 29, 2016, after a wildfire Monday night roared through the area reducing many structures to charred rubble. Robert Wilson/Special to the News Sentinel

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Pigeon Forge Fire Lt. Josh Carr, left and Eric Brackins, assistant city manager, assess the damage on Troy Drive in Pigeon Forge Tuesday, Nov. 29, 2016, after a wildfire ripped through the residential area Monday night, reducing homes and cabins to ruins. Bobby Wilson/Special to the News Sentinel

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Burned out cars and chimneys were left as an out of control wild fire burned multiple business and homes in Gatlinburg causing a mandatory evacuation Tuesday, Nov. 29, 2016. Michael Patrick/News Sentinel

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Chimneys and melted electrical boxes were left as an out of control wild fire burned multiple business and homes in Gatlinburg causing a mandatory evacuation Tuesday, Nov. 29, 2016. Michael Patrick/News Sentinel

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Empty foundations were left as out of control wild fires have burned multiple business and homes in Gatlinburg causing a mandatory evacuation Tuesday, Nov. 29, 2016. Michael Patrick/News Sentinel

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Burned out cars and foundations were left as out of control wild fires burned multiple business and homes in Gatlinburg causing a mandatory evacuation Tuesday, Nov. 29, 2016. Michael Patrick/News Sentinel

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A forestry crew from South Dakota was cleaning up along the spur after wild fires burned multiple business and homes in Gatlinburg causing a mandatory evacuation Tuesday, Nov. 29, 2016. Michael Patrick/News Sentinel

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A forestry crew from South Dakota walking along the spur between cutting up trees fallen after wild fires burned through Gatlinburg causing a mandatory evacuation Tuesday, Nov. 29, 2016. Michael Patrick/News Sentinel

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Drinks delivered for first responders outside of the Rocky Top Sports Complex on Tuesday, Nov. 29, 2016. AMY SMOTHERMAN BURGESS/NEWS SENTINEL

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Drinks delivered for first responders outside of the Rocky Top Sports Complex on Tuesday, Nov. 29, 2016. AMY SMOTHERMAN BURGESS/NEWS SENTINEL

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Shari Deason holds 14 month-old son William outside of the Rocky Top Sports Center, serving as a Red Cross shelter, next door to the TEMA command center at Gatlinburg-Pittman High School in Gatlinburg on Tuesday, Nov. 29, 2016. More than 2,000 people have checked in to various shelters. Deason said she had to leave all of her belongings behind when evacuated from a hotel overnight. AMY SMOTHERMAN BURGESS/NEWS SENTINEL

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Dewey Woody, Jr., agent with the state of Tennessee Office of Homeland Security, helps to coordinate fire response from the TEMA command center at Gatlinburg-Pittman High School in Gatlinburg, Tenn. Tuesday, Nov. 29, 2016. AMY SMOTHERMAN BURGESS/NEWS SENTINEL

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Evacuees stand outside of the Rocky Top Sports Center, serving as a Red Cross shelter, next door to the TEMA command center at Gatlinburg-Pittman High School in Gatlinburg, Tenn. Tuesday, Nov. 29, 2016. More than 2000 people have checked in to various shelters. AMY SMOTHERMAN BURGESS/NEWS SENTINEL

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Firefighters from across the region are posted at the TEMA command center at Gatlinburg-Pittman High School in Gatlinburg, Tenn. Tuesday, Nov. 29, 2016. AMY SMOTHERMAN BURGESS/NEWS SENTINEL

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Firefighters from Townsend wait for their next assignment in the parking lot of Rocky Top Sports Center, serving as a Red Cross Center next door to the TEMA command center at Gatlinburg-Pittman High School in Gatlinburg, Tenn. Tuesday, Nov. 29, 2016. More than 2000 people have checked in to various shelters. AMY SMOTHERMAN BURGESS/NEWS SENTINEL

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The TEMA command center at Gatlinburg-Pittman High School in Gatlinburg, Tenn. Tuesday, Nov. 29, 2016. More than 2000 people have checked in to various shelters. AMY SMOTHERMAN BURGESS/NEWS SENTINEL

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Cassius Cash, director of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, waits to attend a press conference at the TEMA command center at Gatlinburg-Pittman High School in Gatlinburg, Tenn. Tuesday, Nov. 29, 2016. AMY SMOTHERMAN BURGESS/NEWS SENTINEL

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Gov. Bill Hallam, front left, is escorted by Major General Terry M. "Max" Haston with the Tennessee National Guard to the TEMA command post at Gatlinburg-Pittman High School Tuesday, Nov. 29, 2016. Officials held a press conference to update the community on the wildfires that erupted in the area overnight on Monday. AMY SMOTHERMAN BURGESS/NEWS SENT

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Sevier County Mayor Larry Waters during a press conference at the library on Tuesday, Nov. 29, 2016. AMY SMOTHERMAN BURGESS/NEWS SENTINEL

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Greg Miller, chief of the Gatlinburg Fire Department, answers questions during a press conference from the TEMA command center at Gatlinburg-Pittman High School in Gatlinburg, Tenn. Tuesday, Nov. 29, 2016. AMY SMOTHERMAN BURGESS/NEWS SENTINEL

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Two of the dormitories at Arrowmont School was lost to the out of control wild fires in Gatlinburg causing a mandatory evacuation Tuesday, Nov. 29, 2016. Michael Patrick/News Sentinel

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The Alamo Steakhouse was lost to out of control wild fires in Gatlinburg causing a mandatory evacuation Tuesday, Nov. 29, 2016. Michael Patrick/News Sentinel

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A photo shared on Facebook by Arrowmont executive director Bill May shows damage from wildfires in the Smokies. Bill May/Special to the News Sentinel

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Arrowmont executive director Bill May shared this photo on Facebook of the damage from wildfires in the Smokies. Bill May/Special to the News Sentinel

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Arrowmont executive director Bill May shared photos of the Arrowmont campus on Facebook. Bill May/Special to the News Sentinel

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Arrowmont executive director Bill May shared photos of the Arrowmont campus on Facebook. Bill May/Special to the News Sentinel

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Arrowmont School lost two of the dormitories to the out of control wild fires in Gatlinburg causing a mandatory evacuation Tuesday, Nov. 29, 2016. Michael Patrick/News Sentinel

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Arrowmont executive director Bill May shared photos of the Arrowmont campus on Facebook. Bill May/Special to the News Sentinel

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Arrowmont executive director Bill May shared photos of the Arrowmont campus on Facebook. Bill May/Special to the News Sentinel

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Out of control wild fires have burned multiple business and vehicles like these along Cherokee Orchard Rd in Gatlinburg causing a mandatory evacuation Tuesday, Nov. 29, 2016. Michael Patrick/News Sentinel

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Out of control wild fires have burned part of The Riverhouse Motor Lodge and other businesses and homes in Gatlinburg causing a mandatory evacuation Tuesday, Nov. 29, 2016. Michael Patrick/News Sentinel

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Out of control wild fires have burned multiple business and homes leaving downtown Gatlinburg looking like a ghost town after a mandatory evacuation Tuesday, Nov. 29, 2016. Michael Patrick/News Sentinel

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Hotel and customers vehicle burned as out of control wild fires have burned multiple business and homes in Gatlinburg causing a mandatory evacuation Tuesday, Nov. 29, 2016. Michael Patrick/News Sentinel

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Out of control wild fires have burned multiple business and homes in Gatlinburg causing a mandatory evacuation Tuesday, Nov. 29, 2016. Michael Patrick/News Sentinel

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The Gatlinburg welcome center sign is partially destroyed by wildfire flames on Monday, Nov. 28, 2016. Kim Hester

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Downtown Gatlinburg looks like a ghost town after out of control wild fires burned multiple business and homes causing a mandatory evacuation Tuesday, Nov. 29, 2016. Michael Patrick/News Sentinel

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Gatlinburg fire evacuee Deborah Copes arrives at a shelter after fleeing her home Tuesday, Nov. 29, 2016, at the LeConter Center in Pigeon Forge. Copes, her husband, Charles, three standard poodles, and a cat are safe but she fears her home in the Black Bear Falls development is gone. Paul Efird

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A building burns near McCarter Hollow Road and Dollywood on Tuesday, Nov. 29, 2016. BRIANNA PACIORKA/NEWS SENTINEL

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Firetrucks head into the Great Smoky Mountain National Park toward Gatlinburg on Tuesday, Nov. 29, 2016. BRIANNA PACIORKA/NEWS SENTINEL

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Fires burn near the entrance of the Great Smoky Mountain National Park in Pigeon Forge on Tuesday, Nov. 29, 2016. BRIANNA PACIORKA/NEWS SENTINEL

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Authorities shut down the Pigeon Forge Parkway at Dollywood Lane because of area forest fires on Monday, Nov. 28, 2016. BRIANNA PACIORKA/NEWS SENTINEL

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Pet owners comfort their pets at the Leconte Center shelter in Pigeon Forge on Monday, Nov. 28, 2016. BRIANNA PACIORKA/NEWS SENTINEL

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People and their pets evacuate to the Leconte Center right off the Pigeon Forge Parkway. Brianna Paciorka/News Sentinel

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There are currently 300-400 people at the Leconte Center shelter in Pigeon Center on Monday, Nov. 28, 2016. More are expected to arrive. Brianna Paciorka/News Sentinel

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Fire erupts on both side of Highway 441 near The Spur on Monday, Nov. 28, 2016. Jessica Tezak/Special to the News Sentinel

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Fire erupts on the side of The Spur, on Highway 441, on Monday, Nov. 28, 2016, between Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg. Jessica Tezak/Special to the News Sentinel

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Director of Operations Lisa Price moves an evacuated cats from Sevier County Animal Shelter into a cage at the Humane Society of the Tennessee Valley Tuesday, Nov. 29, 2016. 21 cats and 7 dogs were evacuated to the Knoxville facility due to the forest fires in Gatlinburg. C

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Thick smoke from area forest fires covers the Parkway in downtown Gatlinburg on Monday, Nov. 28, 2016. BRIANNA PACIORKA/NEWS SENTINEL

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Thick smoke from area forest fires covers the Parkway in downtown Gatlinburg on Monday, Nov. 28, 2016. BRIANNA PACIORKA/NEWS SENTINEL

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People wearing face masks walk down the Parkway in downtown Gatlinburg on Monday, Nov. 28, 2016. Thick smoke from area forest fires covered much of Gatlinburg and the surrounding areas. BRIANNA PACIORKA/NEWS SENTINEL

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Smoke rises from the Great Smoky Mountains as seen from Pigeon Forge on Monday, Nov. 28, 2016. BRIANNA PACIORKA/NEWS SENTINEL

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Vet tech Jessica Murphy moves an evacuated dog from Sevier County Animal Shelter into a cage at the Humane Society of the Tennessee Valley on Tuesday, Nov. 29, 2016. There were 21 cats and 7 dogs evacuated due to the forest fires in Gatlinburg. Some went to the Humane Society, others to Smoky Mountain Animal Clinic in Seymour. Caitie McMekin/Knoxville News Sentinel

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Thick smoke from area forest fires covers the Parkway in downtown Gatlinburg on Monday, Nov. 28, 2016. BRIANNA PACIORKA/NEWS SENTINEL

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Thick smoke from area forest fires covers the Parkway in downtown Gatlinburg on Monday, Nov. 28, 2016. BRIANNA PACIORKA/NEWS SENTINEL

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Few people walked up and down the Parkway in downtown Gatlinburg on Monday, Nov. 28, 2016. Thick smoke from area forest fires covered much of Gatlinburg and the surrounding areas. BRIANNA PACIORKA/NEWS SENTINEL

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The Chimney 2 fire in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park has prompted the closure of Newfound Gap Road, Cherokee Orchard Road, Elkmont Road and several trails, park officials announced Monday, Nov. 28, 2016. Great Smoky Mountains National Park

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Jessica Murphy, right, smiles at a kitten as Lisa Price moves it into a cage at the Humane Society of the Tennessee Valley Tuesday, Nov. 29, 2016. 21 cats and 7 dogs were evacuated from Smoky Mountain Animal Clinic due to the wildfires in Gatlinburg. Ca

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Thick smoke from a fire behind the Twin Creeks Picnic Pavilion on Cherokee Orchard Road in Gatlinburg turns the sky brown in Sevierville on Monday, Nov. 28, 2016. Brianna Paciorka/News Sentinel

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Gov. Bill Hallam drives by helicopter to the TEMA command post at Gatlinburg-Pittman High School Tuesday, Nov. 29, 2016. Officials held a press conference to update the community on the wildfires that erupted in the area overnight on Monday. AMY SMOTHERMAN BURGESS/NEWS SENT

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Gov. Bill Haslam answers questions during a press conference from the TEMA command post at Gatlinburg-Pittman High School Tuesday, Nov. 29, 2016. Officials held a press conference to update the community on the wildfires that erupted in the area overnight on Monday. AMY SMOTHERMAN BURGESS/NEWS SENT

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