The National Park Service is requesting the public’s help in identifying those responsible for the start of the Rich Mountain Fire in Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
The initial investigation indicates that two fires were started on Nov. 20 in the Rich Mountain area by an unknown arsonist. The fires were started under high wind conditions, a red flag warning and a park-wide burn ban. The Rich Mountain Fire was reported on Nov. 20 around 2:30 p.m. near the intersection of Old Cades Cove Road and Rich Mountain Road. The fire prompted an early-morning voluntary evacuation of homes near the park boundary on Nov. 21.
“Intentionally setting fires in the park, except in designated rings or picnic areas, is always illegal and is extremely dangerous, especially under the extreme weather conditions we saw this week,” said Daniel “Boone” Vandzura, Chief Ranger of Resource and Visitor Protection. “We are asking visitors and neighbors for help as we work to identify those responsible for this suspected arson.”
A white truck was seen at the Rich Mountain trailhead on Nov. 20 around 10 a.m. This vehicle may not be involved in the incident, but the occupants may have seen something and have information that can assist the investigation. Information from visitors is often very helpful to investigators. If you have information that could help identify those responsible for this suspected arson, the park asks you to please submit a tip. You don’t have to tell them who you are, but please tell them what you know. A financial award is available for validated tips.
CALL or TEXT the NPS-wide Tip Line 888-653-0009
ONLINE form go.nps.gov/SubmitATip
EMAIL nps_isb@nps.gov
As of today, the Rich Mountain Fire is 100% contained. Firefighters continue to mop up the fire and will monitor it through the weekend. 31 personnel are assigned to the Rich Mountain Fire, including National Park Service, Bureau of Land Management and Forest Service firefighters.
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I don’t understand why they would waste the money to find the responsible person. The last big fire they had was started by minors being stupid and they ended up with no consequences. The state and the feds spent a ton of money to find, prosecute and release them. They need to save the tax payers some money, put the fire out and get on with their day.
If there are no consequences, then I agree with you.
Probably started by someone who believes rule are for other people, I’ve known a lot of those people in my 80 years.
Bio-terrorism is becoming more prevalent, major incidents of this occurred in Colorado 2020. Search Inciweb and many times you’ll find the cause of the incident will be listed as unknown. The reason for this is most insurance companies will not pay when the cause of loss is arson. There are insane people out there starting these fires in the name of…(fill in the blank)