2 juveniles charged with arson in deadly Tennessee wildfires

GATLINBURG, Tenn. — Two juveniles have been charged with aggravated arson in connection with the investigation into the east Tennessee wildfires, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation said at a Wednesday afternoon news conference.

The death toll in connection with the wildfires which destroyed hundreds of homes and businesses, has reached 14.  Twelve people died in the fire, and two others died trying to evacuate. A total of 134 people were injured, officials said.

In all, more than 14,000 residents and tourists were forced to evacuate the tourist city in the mountains.

The fire was the largest in the state in the last 100 years, according to Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam.

The juveniles are from Tennessee, but not Sevier County, and state law prevents the release of more information about them, officials said.

The investigation is ongoing and more charges are possible. It's possible the case could be moved into adult courts, officials said.

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