Gatlinburg, Tennessee: People in cars and trucks rolled into wildfire-ravaged city of Gatlinburg yesterday to get a first look at what remained of their homes and businesses, and a mayor raised death toll to 13, including a woman who died of a heart attack during the firestorm.
Sevier County Mayor Larry Waters also increased the number of buildings damaged, saying it now approaches 1,000.
“I can’t describe to you the feelings we have over this tragedy,” he said at a news conference.
Local officials, bowing to pressure from frustrated property owners, said they would allow people back into most parts of city. Residents have to pass through a checkpoint and show proof of ownership or residency, Gatlinburg City Manager Cindy Cameron Ogle said.
“The city is not implying that private property is safe,” she said. “People may encounter downed powerlines or other hazards.”
Among those anxiously waiting to return was Tracy Mayberry. He and his wife, 12-year-old son and five dogs have bounced between hotels since they were forced to evacuate their rental home on Monday. They were struggling to find a place to stay as many lodges began to discontinue the special rates for evacuees.
“It feels like Gatlinburg is more worried about how to rebuild than they are about their people,” he said.
