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At Least 4 Dead in Tennessee Wildfires

Authorities say there may be more victims they’re unaware of.

At least four people have died in wildfires in eastern Tennessee, authorities said, and the death toll may rise as fires are expected to spread. The three victims were found in separate locations, all killed by the wildfires that erupted Monday, Gatlinburg Fire Chief Greg Miller told CNN. “We have not been able to get into all the areas,” he said, conceding that there may be more victims. In just 24 hours, the wildfires ravaged hundreds of buildings throughout Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, prompting mandatory evacuations and clearing out the popular tourist destination of Dollywood. About 15,000 acres amid the Great Smoky Mountains have been affected. The wildfires were started by a “human-caused” blaze and exacerbated by a prolonged drought, according to a spokesperson for the National Park Service. An investigation is underway.