2 youths charged in deadly wildfire

Blaze killed 14 in Tennessee

Nashville, Tenn. — Authorities on Wednesday charged two juveniles in an East Tennessee wildfire that killed 14 people and destroyed or damaged more than 1,700 buildings in an iconic tourism spot at the foot of the Great Smoky Mountains.

Officials offered few other specifics about how they think the two started a fire that leveled buildings into charred scraps, carving a deadly path through the Gatlinburg area.

People scrambled in terror to try to flee on foot or drive out of the inferno that often cloaked them from all sides, shooting hot embers through the winds. Some spent days hoping for good news about their missing loved ones. Many learned they would soon be planning funerals.

The juveniles face aggravated arson charges in the fire in the Chimney Tops area of Great Smoky Mountains National Park on Nov. 23. That fire grew amid drought conditions and ultimately rode winds exceeding 87 mph into the Gatlinburg area early last week. Authorities have not yet announced a dollar amount on the damage caused by the wildfire.

The two are being held in the Sevier County juvenile detention center.

The juveniles are from Tennessee, but not Sevier County, where the fires spread. Officials said state law prevents releasing more information about them.

The investigation is ongoing and more charges could come. It’s also possible that the case could be transferred to an adult criminal court, said local District Attorney General James Dunn.

On Wednesday, Gatlinburg residents and business owners were allowed to move back into homes and establishments permanently. They had been allowed only to visit during daytime hours since last Friday.