Nashville, TN – The Tennessee Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Crime Unit, along with authorities in Sequatchie County, have charged 24-year-old Dakota Ashton Tucker of Monteagle for deliberately setting a fire that burned 65 acres.
Tucker is now charged with setting fire to personal property or land for the fire that occurred November 14th near Sunshine Road in Sequatchie County. He is currently being held in the Grundy County jail. Additional charges against Tucker are pending.
This year, more than 1,400 wildfires have burned across the state. Almost half of those are suspected arson.
Anyone who believes they’ve seen woods arson activity should call Tennessee’s Arson Hotline at 1.800.762.3017. A cash reward of up to $2,500 is offered for information leading to an arrest and conviction.
You can also report woods arson activity to the Ag Crime Unit at 1.844.AGCRIME (1.844.242.7463). Callers may remain anonymous.
Due to the ongoing drought and destructive wildfires, a Governor’s regional burn ban remains in effect for East Tennessee.
Counties not listed under the ban require a safe debris burning permit. If you are burning a leaf or brush pile that is smaller than 8 feet by 8 feet, visit Burn Safe TN for approval. For a larger burn, apply for a free permit by calling your local Division of Forestry permit line Monday through Friday, 8:00am – 4:30pm.
Phone numbers are listed by county on Burn Safe TN. If you live within a city’s limits, other restrictions may apply.
