ATHENS —
Walking trails at the East Texas Arboretum sustained extensive damage Saturday afternoon from a series of fires that appear to have been deliberately set.
The fires were scattered over several acres of the park set aside for patrons to stroll past native trees, shrubs and flowers.
Arboretum Executive Director Theresa Glasgow said not only were large patches of ground scorched by flames, damage was also done unavoidably by firefighters who had to slice through trees to get to the burning vegetation.
“It’s sad that someone would do this to this place that we’ve worked so hard to make beautiful for the people of East Texas,” Glasgow said.
Athens Police Department dispatch received a call shortly after 2 p.m. from the Rev. Mark Allen of the Athens Life Fellowship reporting the fires.
Flames from the wooded area were visible at the Arboretum Women’s Building where meetings and other events are often held.
Three Athens Fire Department trucks were dispatched to the fire and aid was also sent from the Texas Forest Service.
Glasgow said conditions were ripe for the fires to have done even more damage, had it not been for the efforts of the fire personnel, who were able to control the flames and keep them from spreading to any of the Arboretum buildings.
Glasgow said the latest incident was about the fourth time vandals had damaged part of the Arboretum facility and grounds.
Since the Saturday fire, a private donation of $3,000 has been offered for information leading to the arrest of the individual or persons responsible for the fires. She pointed at one area that was now a stretch of charred earth.
“That whole section used to be solid woods and brush,” She said.
Athens Fire Marshal Ronny Denton continued the investigation into the blazes Monday. He said The Texas Department of Insurance is putting up a $1,000 reward for any information leading to the arrest of anyone responsible for the burning incidents.
Deliberately set fires have been an ongoing problem in the vicinity of the Arboretum for several months.
“We’ve had some since back in the summertime,” Denton said. “We’ve had a few back in that wooded area behind the old drive in, between Patterson Road, U.S. Highway 175 and State Highway 31.”
Denton will distribute posters at Athens Middle School and Athens High School in case someone may have seen or heard something that could help identify the firestarters.
Anyone with information can call 1-877-434-7345.
Local News
Related Photos
-
Above, East Texas Arboretum Director Theresa Glasgow looks over the devastation from several fires that were set on the grounds, Saturday. Rich Flowers/Athens Review
Discussion
Arboretum trails torched
Series of fires, apparently deliberately set, cause extensive damage Saturday
- Local News
-
-
Millionaires Club
Tom Denton, who has led efforts to gather tabs from cans, continues the battle to provide housing for parents of children hospitalized while they are away from home.
-
Good as gold
The Henderson County Farm and Ranch Tour pulls out Tuesday morning as it has for half a century, but this time, from a new location.
-
A little Hope for West
On Thursday, April 18, West, Texas changed. The small community was shocked and devastated with a fertilizer plant explosion. Lives were lost, hundreds were injured and homes and buildings were flattened.
-
AISD trustees approve agreements at meeting
Action items were all approved Thursday by the Board of Trustees of Athens Independent School District. The approvals were made at their regular meeting.
-
A future investment
Harry and Patti Hogue present a check for $500 to go toward the Splash Pad at Kiwanis Park in Athens. The fund-raising effort is nearing the finish line for the $220,000 project, although donations are still being sought. The Splash Pad is expected to be open some time this summer.
-
Ultimate sacrifice
Peace officers from across Henderson County gathered on the courthouse square Thursday afternoon to remember those who have given the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom.
-
Ideas on display
Charles Parker can do some pretty fancy things with your kitchen utensils and old golf clubs.
Parker’s ideas can be seen on display Saturdays at the Athens Farmers Market. This is his third year to bring his crafts to be sold. -
iPads trim costs
Keeping pace with new technology, Henderson County Justices of the Peace can potentially save thousands of dollars through the use of iPads.
-
Fly-in to help with awareness of airport
Mark your calendar for June 1. Athens will be busy with the Old Fiddlers Reunion and Walk a Mile in Her Shoes events.
To make the day complete, the Athens Municipal Airport will be hosting a “Fly-in” on Saturday, June 1. According to organizer Charles Tidmore, the event will give the local community a better awareness and appreciation of the Athens Airport. -
AISD hires PBK architects
Athens Independent School District Blake Stiles believes one of the biggest considerations rendered at Thursday’s school board meeting was to choose a company that will carry out construction for security at Athens High School and Athens Middle School. The contractor is known as a construction manager at risk.
- More Local News Headlines
-
Probe Begins After Conn. Commuter Trains Crash
NTSB Begins Investigation Into Conn. Train Crash
Lotto Fever Sweeps the Country
Conn. Commuter Trains Collide; 60 Go to Hospital
Coffee Run Leads to Hatchet Hitchhiker Arrest
Fmr. IRS Head Insists No Politics in Targeting
CDC: Fecal Bacteria Common in Swimming Pools
$1 Million in Jewels Stolen at Cannes Film Fest
NM Mom Chases Down Child Abductor
Raw: Crash Sends Car Into Fla. Pool
Raw: Obama Sits Down With Elementary Kids
Raw: Bear Falls From Tampa Tree
Ousted IRS Chief: Errors Not Caused by Politics
Terror Suspect Due in Court in Idaho Friday
Raw: Driver Ejected From Truck, Over Bridge
Could Tobacco Be the Next Biofuel?
Wash. State Releases Draft Rules for Legal Pot
Dying Man's Blinks Lead to Murder Conviction
Officials: Texas Tornado Likely Had 200 Mph Wind
Brothers Arrested in NOLA Parade Shooting
