NEWPORT-A string of random fires during the past two months has raised questions by both citizens and county law enforcement personnel regarding arson.
    Since late January, the Cocke County Fire Department and Centerview Volunteer Fire Department have responded to approximately seven fires in the Centerview/Bybee area.
    According to CCSD Chief Detective Robert Caldwell, the fires were set in abandoned buildings or barns, with three calls relating to brush or field fires. Both the county and Centerview volunteer departments have responded to three fires on Holt Town Road, as well Miller, Rankin Hill and Fowlers Grove roads.
    Caldwell told the Plain Talk, "It appears that they're arson." Of the four structure fires fought, two were barn fires, while the remaining were at former residences, one of which, had been recently vacated by its tenants.
    Although most of the fires occurred at night, Caldwell said some took place during daylight hours. In addition, the detective said nothing was stolen from any of the sites where the fires took place and that the barns contained "mainly just hay."
    When asked if any of the property owners reported experiencing domestic problems with anyone, Caldwell replied, "Not that we're aware of." Likewise, Caldwell noted that authorities "don't anticipate insurance fraud at all." The detective also wanted to dispel any rumors associated with the possible production of methamphetamine. "We've found no meth labs," said Caldwell, who added, "we've heard rumors, but have found nothing to indicate it." However, Caldwell said there have been no signs of accelerants used to start the fires.
    Authorities are asking anyone in the community with any information regarding the fires to please contact either the sheriff's office at (423) 623-6004 or the detective's division at (423) 623-4827. Caldwell said all information will be strictly confidential.