Updated: Man arrested after 2 brush fires near river

Carroll County News

BERRYVILLE -- Disaster was averted on Monday as firefighters were able to quickly control two brush fires on each side of the U.S. Highway 62 Kings River bridge just outside Berryville.

The blaze on the south side of the bridge burned just over an acre and a half before it was extinguished, fire officials said.

The fire to the north of the bridge was still burning itself out, as it was backed up against a bluff late Monday afternoon, officials said.

"The fire that's still going is mostly brush and is being contained by a bluff but we can't really get to it, so we're hoping it will burn out on its own or we will have to call in the U.S. Forestry Service," Johnson said at around 5 p.m.

About two hours after the initial alarm and firefight, the fire on the southern side of the bridge re-ignited, requiring firefighters to return to the scene and put it out again before much additional damage was done.

The fires initially erupted when a man, witnesses said, started shooting a flare gun.

Berryville Fire Chief Doug Johnson said they have been unable to determine for certain exactly how the fires started, but it was likely from fireworks or a flare gun.

Tony Evans, 40, of Berryville was arrested at the scene in connection with the fire and charged with public intoxication, disorderly conduct and refusal to submit to arrest, authorities said.

A burn ban was issued last Monday by county Judge Sam L. Barr because of extremely dry conditions.