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Juveniles arrested in Sevier County fires awaiting first court appearance

The two juveniles arrested in connection with the Chimney Tops 2 Fire are still waiting for their first day in court.

An officer with the juvenile court in Sevier County told WBIR 10News on Monday that the initial hearing had not been set.

The Sevier County District Attorney announced the arrest of two juveniles on aggravated arson charges last Wednesday. They were being held at the Sevier County Juvenile Detention Center.

The fire started at Chimney Tops inside Great Smoky Mountains National Park on Nov. 23. It was initially reported as a 1.5-acre wildfire burning just beyond the summit of the trail over extremely steep terrain.

Mid-morning on Monday, Nov. 28, park officials said the fire had grown to about 500 acres "due to extreme, sustained winds."

The fire grew rapidly that day, fueled by strong winds, and spread into areas of Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge. Fourteen people were killed as the fire spread and sparked new ones. More than 190 injuries and illnesses have been reported, and officials said 2,460 structures were damaged or destroyed.

The fire grew to cover more than 17,000 acres. Officials said it was about 94 percent contained as of Monday.

Since the two people charged with starting the fire are juveniles, authorities are not releasing their names or ages. Sevier County DA James Dunn said they are from Tennessee, but not Sevier County.

Dunn said additional charges are possible, and there is the possibility of the juveniles being tried as adults.

"Everything is on the table," Dunn said.

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