Officials: Two juveniles charged for starting Sevier Co. wildfires

submitted by GF on 12/10/16 1

Officials said two juveniles are responsible for the devastating Sevier County wildfires. At a 3 p.m. news conference Wednesday, authorities told media outlets that two juveniles have been charged with aggravated arson for their roles in allegedly starting wildfires. The two minors were taken into custody Wednesday morning after a petition was filed in juvenile court charging them with aggravated arson. They are currently being held at the Sevier County Juvenile Detention Center. The District Attorney said the juveniles are not from Sevier County, but are residents of Tennessee. Officials say, "everything is on the table," and said the two juveniles could be facing more charges or could be tried as adults. The investigation by the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, National Park Service, ATF, and the Sevier County Sheriff's Office resulted in the arrests. Great Smoky Mountains National Park Chief Ranger Steve Kloster said the tipline had 40 tips after just minutes of going online and thanked the public for their help. TBI Director Mark Gwyn said, "We are committed to making sure justice is served in this case." 14 people were killed and 160 people were injured in the Sevier County wildfires that forced at least 14,000 people to evacuate on November 28. 1,785 structures have been damaged or destroyed in the fires. At least 24 crews, 45 engines, 4 helicopters, 2 dozers, and 719 people are fighting the Chimney Top 2 Fire.

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