Gatlinburg updates fire information

GATLINBURG, Tenn (WDEF) – Gatlinburg officials report that 70 homes and 150 structures have been damaged or destroyed in Sevier County.

Fire Chief Greg Miller says they transported 12 people to area hospitals from the fires.

Smoke is still lingering in the area, completely obscuring some of the damage.

But the chief says “The worst is definitely over.”

The National Guard is going door to door to check on residents.

2,000 people are in shelters.

The fire chief says there was a lot of damage done, but downtown Gatlinburg remains mostly in tact.

He reports wind gusts last night during the fires hit 87 miles per hour.

Gatlinburg Mayor: "Personally, I think I lost my house, but things can be rebuilt."

— Donovan Long (@WVLTDonovan) November 29, 2016