SEVIER COUNTY, Tenn. - Officials confirm three people have been killed in Sevier County, Tennessee because of wildfires.
Gatlinburg Fire Chief Greg Miller said Tuesday that the three people were killed in separate locations in the fires that started Monday. Miller told reporters he does not know whether there are more victims.
Officials say they are not certain when residents will be able to return to evacuated neighborhoods. A curfew was imposed for 6 p.m. to 6 a.m.
The devastating wildfires in and around Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge forced agencies to call for the evacuation. TEMA believes at least 14,000 residents and visitors evacuated from Gatlinburg alone.
Pictures from inside the city.#Gatlinburg pic.twitter.com/vCmVXEvvlW
— Everything TN (@Everything_TN) November 29, 2016
A temporary flight restriction is in place to prevent aircraft from complicating the response.
Roads into the city remain closed at this time while the outbound lanes remain open for those evacuating. Sevier County reports nearly 12,000 people are without power.
The Tennessee National Guard has activated 100 soldier to assist first responders with debris removal and wellness checks.
Troopers with the Tennessee Highway Patrol continue to canvas the area.
Troopers walked into areas of Gatlinburg, Tn that were surrounded by fire to remove those who were trapped by flames. pic.twitter.com/9r2lkAVy19
— TN Highway Patrol (@TNHighwayPatrol) November 29, 2016
As the Gatlinburg, Tn fires rage on many trees have fallen blocking roads. Troopers used personal chainsaws to clear those trees. pic.twitter.com/tcnY1DulGz
— TN Highway Patrol (@TNHighwayPatrol) November 29, 2016
There have been a number of reports of damage in the area. More than 100 homes and 30 other structures have been damaged or destroyed by the blaze.
But there is some hope that some attractions are still standing:
Gatlinburg fire chief: Large amount of damage has been done, but downtown area remains mostly intact.
— Everything TN (@Everything_TN) November 29, 2016