Updates to our Terms of Use

We are updating our Terms of Use. Please carefully review the updated Terms before proceeding to our website.

Thursday, March 28, 2024 | Back issues
Courthouse News Service Courthouse News Service

Two Juveniles Charged With Arson in Tennessee Wildfires

Authorities said Wednesday afternoon that two juveniles have been arrested on aggravated arson charges related to devastating wildfires in and around Gatlinburg, Tenn., that killed 14 people and destroyed hundreds of buildings.

(CN) – Authorities said Wednesday afternoon that two juveniles have been arrested on aggravated arson charges related to devastating wildfires in and around Gatlinburg, Tenn., that killed 14 people and destroyed hundreds of buildings.

The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation said last week’s Smoky Mountain wildfires were acts of arson.

Two juveniles are in custody, but police will not release their names. Both have been transported to the Sevier County Juvenile Detention Center.

“Our promise is that we will do our very best to help bring closure to those who have lost so much,” TBI Director Mark Gwyn said during a Wednesday afternoon news conference.

Fourteen people were killed in the inferno that ravaged the resort town of Gatlinburg. About 700 buildings were damaged in Sevier County.

Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam said last week the Gatlinburg fire was the largest in the state in the past 100 years.

The devastation prompted country music icon Dolly Parton to establish the My People Fund, which will pay $1,000 monthly to Sevier County families who lost their homes in the inferno.

The wildfires were preceded by a drought that has seen 10 to 15 fewer inches of rain than normal during the past three months for much of the South.

Categories / Criminal

Subscribe to Closing Arguments

Sign up for new weekly newsletter Closing Arguments to get the latest about ongoing trials, major litigation and hot cases and rulings in courthouses around the U.S. and the world.

Loading...