Charges dropped against teens accused of starting fire in Smoky Mountains

Prosecutors have dropped charges against two eastern Tennessee teenagers accused of starting a fire in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park last November, the Knoxville News Sentinel reported.

Explore>> Read more trending news

Defense attorney Gregory P. Isaacs argued that the prosecution was unable to prove that the two boys, ages 17 and 15, ignited the blaze that began in the national park and spread to Gatlinburg five days later.

“My client and the other juvenile, based on the proof and the evidence, did not cause the death and devastation in Gatlinburg,” Isaacs said during a news conference.

Jimmy Dunn, 4th Judicial District Attorney General, cited the “unprecedented, unexpected and unforeseeable wind event” that led to the spread of the fire to the Gatlinburg area after the Chimney Tops fire, the News Sentinel reported.

About the Author

Bob D’Angelo, Cox Media Group National Content Desk

PSC won’t delay key Georgia Power vote after Democrats’ election wins

The Georgia Public Service Commission has rejected a bid to delay a key vote on whether to allow Georgia Power to execute a historic expansion of its generation fleet.

Clapping out the paper: A farewell to ink, deadlines and the print AJC

Beginning on Jan. 1, this 157-year-old institution will become a fully digital news operation. No more paper. No more ink-stained fingers. No more paper in your driveway.