WGNS has more news on the wildfire situation in East Tennessee.

Below are the latest details:

• Gatlinburg officials say their goal is to let residents, businesses, and property owners back into the city at 7 a.m., EST, on Friday, Dec. 9.

• Gatlinburg continues to facilitate daily access, from 8 a.m., to 5 p.m., EST, for residents and businesses. Local officials estimate the wildfire damaged or destroyed more than 1,500 structures.

• The Tennessee Department of Health has confirmed (14) wildfire fatalities in Sevier County. TEMA has no further information about fatalities.

CURRENT SITUATION

TEMA's East Region office and SEOC staff continue to support wildfire efforts in Sevier County with emphasis now on the recovery phase of the mission. Tennessee Forestry and multiple federal, state, local, and mutual aid agencies are supporting the wildfire response. Tennessee Army National Guard have dropped more than 885 Bambi buckets of water in support of the wildfire fighting mission in Sevier County. TEMA communications support for Sevier County remains a top priority as crews work in remote areas without communications coverage.

Please visit the Sevier County resource page at http://www.tn.gov/governor/news/sevier-county-resource-page for information on assistance the State of Tennessee and many non-governmental organizations are providing to residents and business, and to those who want to help the wildfire survivors.

In Sevier County, 1,845 people remain without power.

FATALITIES & INJURIES

The Tennessee Department of Health (TDH) has confirmed (14) fatalities in Sevier County from the wildfires. Sevier County officials may be investigating or reporting fatalities in the local jurisdiction not included in the total from TDH in this report. There is no further information available on these fatalities at this time. TDH also reports up to 45 injuries from the Sevier County wildfires.

SHELTERS

There are two Red Cross shelters remain open in Sevier County with 154 total occupants:

• Pigeon Forge Community Center (9)
• Rocky Top Sports World (145)