Two Canadians are reported among the 13 people killed when wildfires tore through the town of Gatlinburg in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, in Tennessee this week, local officials said.
Reports in the local media identified the couple as Jon and Janet Tegler.
The wildfire, which began on Monday, has destroyed nearly 1,000 homes and businesses in Gatlinburg, a popular tourist destination.
Video: A look at the devastation on roadway up to Ober Gatlinburg. If you can, please give to the Red Cross or local support agencies. pic.twitter.com/3hvfpwzuWr
— Mark Nagi (@MarkNagiTDOT) 29 November 2016
Other victims include a woman who was vacationing in Gatlinburg, and a Memphis couple separated from their three sons. The young men are recovering in hospital.
Officials say the wildfire spread from the Great Smoky Mountains National Park into Gatlinburg due to hurricane-force winds.
This video of Michael Luciano’s escape from the #Gatlinburg fire from his home is absolutely terrifying! https://t.co/8UGC2wAhg6
— Gatlinburg Life (@GatlinburgLife) 29 November 2016
More than 14,000 people in Gatlinburg were forced to leave as the tourist city shut down.
Officials believe the fire was initially sparked by a person
With files from the Associated Press
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