Firefighters' logs describe frantic struggle against Gatlinburg, Tenn., wildfire

August 15, 2017 at 1:00 a.m. | Updated August 15, 2017 at 3:16 a.m.

by The Knoxville News Sentinel , Matt Lakin

Burned structures are seen from aboard a National Guard helicopter near Gatlinburg, Tenn., Tuesday, Nov. 29, 2016. The fires spread quickly on Monday night, when winds topping 87 mph whipped up the flames, catching residents and tourists in the Gatlinburg area by surprise. Police banged on front doors and told people to get out immediately. (AP Photo/Erik Schelzig)
Burned structures are seen from aboard a National Guard helicopter near Gatlinburg, Tenn., Tuesday, Nov. 29, 2016. The fires spread quickly on Monday night, when winds topping 87 mph whipped up the flames, catching residents and tourists in the Gatlinburg area by surprise. Police banged on front doors and told people to get out immediately. (AP Photo/Erik Schelzig)

The rain never came in time.

Records released last week show authorities battling the deadly Sevier County, Tenn., wildfires looked to an expected downpour that came too late for salvation as crews struggled in a desperate tug-of-war with skyscraper-sized flames the night of Nov. 28, 2016.

As the blaze approached city limits, authorities knew the rain wouldn't arrive for another 12 hours.

Read more at our news partner's website, knoxnews.com.

Devastating Gatlinburg fires

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