Richard T. Ramsey and Sue Ramsey hold hands while looking at the skyline from the remains of their house of 41 years, Thursday, Dec. 1, 2016, in Gatlinburg, Tenn.

Richard T. Ramsey and Sue Ramsey hold hands while looking at the skyline from the remains of their house of 41 years, Thursday, Dec. 1, 2016, in Gatlinburg, Tenn.
Photo Credit: Andrew Nelles/The Tennessean via AP

2 Canadians reportedly killed in Tennessee wildfire

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.

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.

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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