East Tennessee resident here. This is something that I posted on Facebook earlier today. Mostly still valid.
Here is an update on the fire situation in Gatlinburg. About 14000 people were evacuated. About 2000 are currently in shelters. Twelve have been taken to hospitals; three of them to Vanderbilt with severe burns. Hundreds of structures have been destroyed (tentatively 70 in Wears Valley, 70 in Cobbly Knob, perhaps up to 100 in Westgate Resorts, perhaps up to 75 in Black Bear Falls resort). Some of the areas within Gatlinburg: Alamo Steak House, Hillbilly Golf, Wedding Chapel, some hotels, and at least one bank.
Not significantly damaged: Aquarium, Dollywood, Elkmont, LeConte Lodge, and Ober Gatlinburg. Reports are that the downtown area of Gatlinburg is intact.
The fires spread very quickly yesterday due to incredibly dry conditions and wind gusts that exceeded 80 mph in some areas.
There are still fourteen active fires in the general area, but I don’t have a current report on how bad things currently are. My guess is that things are a lot better today due to the rain last night.
There are still areas, such as portions of Ski Mountain, that people have not been able to reach yet to check for damage.
Update: Three fatalities
Fond memories (and the pain) of climbing Mt. LeConte and staying at the lodge there.
Are the fires still going or are they pretty much under control now?