TYRRELL COUNTY: Forest Service charges landowner where fire began

TYRRELL COUNTY, N.C. (WITN) - State forestry officials now say the landowner where that huge fire began in Tyrrell County has been charged.

The Last Resort Fire has consumed 5,293 acres and remains only 48% contained.

The fire began as a debris burn on private property last Friday evening. The North Carolina Forest Service said the fire jumped containment lines and onto U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services property later that evening.

Richard Hughes, of Windsor, was charged with willfully or negligently setting fire to woods and fields. Initially, the Forest Service refused to release the man’s name even though that is public record under state law.

The violation carries up to 60 days in jail and a fine of up to $1,000. Hughes has a court date of April 26th.

No one has been injured in the fire.

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