© ddp USA/REX/ShutterstockOfficials estimate that more than 100 structures have been destroyed or damaged from the blaze. Above multiple burned business and vehicles along Cherokee Orchard Road in Gatlinburg.
Aerial pictures reveal the true scale of the devastation after homes were reduced to smoldering piles of rubble by the blaze.
Sevier County Mayor Larry Waters said at an afternoon news conference on Tuesday that authorities found at least three people dead.
'We do not have further information on them at this time,' Waters said. 'We are continuing to notify next of kin.'
Gatlinburg Fire Chief Greg Miller told reporters it's unclear if there are more people who died in the raging wildfires, as they 'have not been able to get into all the areas.'
'This is one for the history books,' Miller said at a morning news conference. 'The likes of this has never been seen. But the worst is definitely over with.'
Comment: The unprecedented fire began when embers from a wildfire on nearby Chimney Tops Trail in the national park blew into Gatlinburg about 6 p.m. Monday as the heavy winds doubled in speed, according to Gatlinburg Fire Chief Greg Miller. Although arson suspects have been arrested in connection with separate fires this fall, it was not immediately clear what initially sparked this fire.
Cassius Cash, the park's superintendent, said the Chimney Tops fire burned about 50 acres on Sunday. By Tuesday evening, the National Park Service said the wildfire spanned more than 15,000 acres in the park and the Gatlinburg area.
"In my 25 years of federal (park) service, I've participated in many fires, but none of that could have prepared me for this," Cash said.
Study: Wildfire seasons are more destructive and lasting longer almost everywhere on Earth