Death toll rises to 7 in Tennessee wildfires

NEW YORK

At least seven people have died and dozens injured in wildfires in the state of Tennessee, according to authorities Wednesday.

The fire that blanketed the Great Smoky Mountain area in the eastern part of the state has left hundreds of homes and thousands of acres and at least 14,000 people have been forced from their homes.

Three more bodies were discovered Wednesday in Sevier County, Mayor Larry Waters told reporters, bringing the total to seven. Three other people were rescued from the wildfires, Waters said.

Waters said none of the casualties -- including three bodies found earlier this week in the town of Gatlinburg -- have been identified but it remains a top priority amid the unfolding crisis.

Gatlinburg Fire Department Chief Greg Miller said eight new brush fires started overnight, but a heavy downpour early in the morning is helping to put out some of them.

National Park Service spokeswoman Dana Soehn said the fires were "human-caused" but did not give further details.

A curfew remains in place in Gatlinburg from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. (1100GMT – 2300GMT) as firefighters continue to battle the blaze and authorities recommend residents boil their water to get rid of sediments before using for drinking or food preparation.

A press conference is expected later Wednesday where more details will be provided.