Three brush fires were reported in Roan Mountain in the early morning hours Friday.
Carter County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Johnathan Simerly responded to a report of one fire, but said when he got on scene, a firefighter reported two others had been set but had burned themselves out. The firefighter also said there had been a brush fire the night before on Walnut Mountain.
According to the Sheriff’s report, the couple who reported the fire stated they were driving down Old Buck Mountain Road when they passed a newer model, dark colored full-size pickup with a chrome grill made to look like large bars heading up the road. Almost immediately after passing the truck, they turned a corner and saw two separate fires burning. They called 911, and by the time firefighters arrived, the fires had merged into one.
Simerly made contact with the property owner, who lives in Hampton, and the owner reported no knowledge of cause. The Forest Service arrived on scene at request of the volunteer firefighters and said they would be investigating the fires.