Marion County Man Charged with Wildland Arson

NASHVILLE – An investigator with the Tennessee Department of Agriculture’s Ag Crime Unit has arrested a Marion County, Tenn. man on a charge of setting fire to personal property and land.

Harvey William Nolan Jr., 38, of 460 Lee Morrison Road, Whitwell, Tenn., was taken into custody at the Marion County jail on Nov. 12. According to witnesses, Nolan was observed setting fire to unburned woods owned by RGGS Land & Minerals Ltd. in an area where more than 100 acres burned the day before. The fire was contained by state Division of Forestry firefighters.

“Arson accounts for the majority of acres burned from forest fires in Tennessee. These fires can spread quickly this time of year and endanger human life and property,” said State Forester Steven Scott. “The Ag Crime Unit provides an important presence in our rural areas to help reduce arson activity.”

So far this year, 632 wildland fires caused by arson have burned nearly 12,000 acres in Tennessee. A total of 20,872 acres have burned in the state this year from all causes.

Nolan was released on a $2,000 bond. A court hearing has been set for Dec. 29 in Marion County.

“Forest arson is a very serious crime and we will prosecute offenders to the full extent of the law,” said Max Thomas, Agriculture Investigation Supervisor.

Wildfires caused by arson are a class C felony punishable by three to 15 years in prison and up to $10,000 fines. Anyone with information about suspected arson activity should call the state Fire Marshal’s Arson Hotline toll-free at 1-800-762-3017. Rewards up to $1,500 are available for tips leading to a conviction. Callers can remain anonymous.

During fire season, Oct. 15 through May 15, citizens are required to obtain a burn permit before conducting any open, outdoor burning near woods or grasslands. Contact your local Forestry office, or visit www.burnsafetn.org, for permit and fire safety information.