(WARREN COUNTY, TENN.) UPDATED - A forest fire in nearby Warren County reignited this past week. Warren County Sheriff Jackie Matheny, Jr advised that the fire that originally started on October 24th on Harrison Ferry Mountain, and specifically in the Isha and Curtistown area, re-ignited on Friday, November 4, 2022.
An arrest was made in the case and authorities believe Robert Vincent Halter started the original fire within a ring of rocks. The fire that was contained withing the ring of rocks spread, leading to the Harrison Ferry Forest fire. Evidently, Halter had previously been banned from the premises. The 57-year-old suspect was charged with reckless burning and criminal trespassing. Additional charges were later added that included arson and vandalism of property, both of which were felony charges due to the amount of destruction caused.
When the fire reignited this past weekend, the TN Forestry Division began a burn-back on Saturday afternoon, reporting they believed they had this fire contained. The Harrison Ferry Mountain Volunteer Fire Department, as well as other volunteer fire departments, were on the scene for 48-hours as a precautionary resource if needed. Sheriff Matheny and County Executive Terry Bell were also on the scene Friday, Saturday and Sunday to monitor the fire.
By 7PM on Saturday night, the Sheriff’s Office updated residents stating, “Sheriff Matheny was just briefed by the TN Dept of Forestry, who provided Information that the fire is currently 80% contained and they have dug new fire-breaks and lines with machinery and by hand, and they believe that these lines will hold. TN Department of forestry also reports that no structures are in any danger tonight.”
See the past news story on the fire HERE.
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