2 juveniles arrested for aggravated arson in Smoky Mountain, Gatlinburg fires

GATLINBURG, Tenn. -- (WZTV) -- Aggravated Arson charges have been filed against two juveniles in connection to the East Tennessee fires.

The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) says the arrests were made Wednesday morning following a joint investigation with the National Parks Service, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and Sevier County Police. The two juveniles are charged with starting the Chimney Tops fire which eventually spread through the Smoky Mountains and into Sevier County, Gatlinburg, killing 14 people.

The boys are residents of the state of Tennessee, but were not from Sevier County. District Attorney Jimmy Dunn will be prosecuting the juveniles, whom could also face additional charges and be tried in adult court. For now, the juveniles are being held at a detention center and will have an initial hearing within 72 hours.

D.A. Dunn stated in terms of charges "everything is on the table."

TBI Director Mark Gwyn added while much information cannot be disclosed since it is an active investigation, "Our promise is that we will do our very best to help bring closure to those who have lost so much."