Additional Coverage:
- Teens who allegedly failed to put out cigarettes accused of causing massive wildfire (abcnews.go.com)
Three Upstate Teens Arrested in Connection with Table Rock Fire
Pickens County, SC – Three teenagers have been arrested and charged in connection with the devastating Table Rock Fire that has scorched over 13,000 acres across South Carolina and North Carolina. Nyzaire Jah-Neiz Marsh, 19, Tristan Tyler, 18, and Isaac Wilson, 18, were taken into custody Tuesday and each charged with one count of negligently allowing fire to spread to lands or property of another, a misdemeanor.
The South Carolina Forestry Commission alleges the teens were smoking on a hiking trail in Table Rock State Park on March 21 and failed to properly extinguish their cigarettes. Investigators say this negligence led to the ignition of the wildfire, which forced the evacuation of over 1,400 homes and businesses and drew firefighting resources from multiple states. A fourth suspect, a juvenile, was also charged and released to the custody of his parents.
All three teens were released on $7,500 bond. If convicted, they face a maximum penalty of 30 days in jail and a $200 fine.
The Table Rock fire, which began on March 21, was reported to be 30% contained as of Tuesday morning. The fire prompted a statewide burning ban issued by the South Carolina Forestry Commission and a state of emergency declaration by Governor Henry McMaster.