Cars line up to see wildfire-ravaged Tennessee city; 13 dead
GATLINBURG- People in cars and trucks rolled into the wildfire-ravaged city of Gatlinburg on Friday to get a first look at what remains of their homes and businesses, and a mayor raised the death toll to 13, including a person who appeared to die of a heart attack while fleeing the flames.
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 during a news conference with the governor and U.S. senators.
Local officials, bowing to pressure from frustrated property owners, said they would allow people back into most parts of the city Friday morning. Residents have to pass through a checkpoint and must show some proof of ownership or residency, Gatlinburg City Manager Cindy Cameron Ogle said.
