Tenn. Judge Denies Bail for Suspect in Cherokee Forest Fires

A judge denied bail for a suspect charged with setting fires in Tennessee’s Cherokee National Forest that damaged at least 100 acres of timber.

John Wesley Irons, 60, poses a serious risk to the community if he is allowed out of prison on bail, U.S. District Magistrate Judge Bruce Guyton said last week.

Irons is accused in a 14-count indictment of setting fires in August 2002 and again in March of this year.

At a hearing, U.S. Forestry Service Agent Kevin Bishop said Irons is suspected in hundreds of forest fires over the last two decades.

“He said he set hundreds of fires and (torched) 50 houses and burned the first fire when he was 15 years of age,” Bishop said.

Irons was arrested earlier this month after his estranged wife told the agent he had set numerous fires.

“Without any prodding at all, she was going over a list of fires she believed her husband was responsible for,” Bishop said.

She told agents that he set the fires by planting 12-inch long candles in the ground along trails, Bishop said.

“She stated that through the years he would change tactics and have her carry him somewhere and drop him off,” Bishop said. “During times when it’s hot, dry and windy, those are the times he begins to set fires.”

Bishop said he also believes Irons is responsible for setting a fire at the home of an unnamed forestry employee while he and his family were inside.

But Irons’ attorney attacked authorities’ tactics to gain his confession and said he falsely confessed to the fires in order to win back his estranged wife.

Bishop said they took advantage of his relationship with his wife and a friendship with U.S. Forest Service Agent Jane Wright to get a confession.

“They were trying to trick Mr. Irons,” Tollison said.

Information from: The Knoxville News Sentinel,
http://www.knoxnews.com

Topics USA Legislation Tennessee