Teen admits starting fire
Published 5:00 am Friday, September 12, 2003
State and local authorities are continuing to investigate anearly morning fire Thursday at Red’s Saw Mill on Industrial ParkRoad.
A representative from the state fire marshal’s office andLincoln County Sheriff’s Department arson investigator DustinBairfield were on the scene shortly after Brookhaven firefightersextinguished the 4 a.m. fire.
“Through our investigation, we were able to follow some tracksto a particular trailer,” said Bairfield. “We found out that ajuvenile, who is 17 years old, started the fire and said it wasaccidental.”
The juvenile has not been arrested or charged with anything.However, the case will be presented to the grand jury in November,said Bairfield.
Bairfield praised the keen observations of officers from theBrookhaven Police Department and Lincoln County Sheriff’sDepartment.
“The fire was actually discovered by the Brookhaven PoliceDepartment as they were traveling down Old Highway 51 to do theirroutine check of the airport,” he said.
An uninsured open shed, containing approximately $250,000 worthof wood, was destroyed by fire.
Firefighters battled the fire for approximately an hour, beforeturning control of the fire over to Heuck’s Retreat Volunteer FireDepartment, according to reports from the Brookhaven FireDepartment.