Two juveniles were charged with aggravated arson Wednesday in connection with fatal wildfires in East Tennessee. Authorities announced the break in their case at an afternoon news conference and said additional charges could follow.
The unidentified juveniles are being held in a youth detention center and awaiting an initial bond hearing.
Authorities would not share their genders, ages, or hometown — other than that they were not from Sevier County. District Attorney James Dunn said he may seek to try them as adults.
“All options available to the state in dealing with juveniles are on the table, including the possibility of seeking a transfer of these juveniles to adult criminal court,” he said.
Mark Gwyn, director of the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, said “countless hours” have gone into the case.
He offered condolences to the families of 14 who have died and hundreds who lost their homes.
“Our promise is that we will do every effort to help bring closure to those who have lost so much,” Gwyn said.
The fire started Nov. 23 in the Chimney Tops area and turned deadly five days later, when flames engulfed Gatlinburg, killing 14, injuring more than 175 and damaging at least 2,400 structures.
Authorities thanked callers to a TBI tip line but stopped short of saying whether citizen information led to the charges.
On Air - 90.3 WPLN-FM