Athens man jailed after fireworks sparked fire

By Joe Johnson

Thomas Lawrence Fucci Jr., 53, of Segrest Circle, was arrested over the weekend in connection with a grass fire he allegedly caused by setting off fireworks.

The incident happened late in the morning of July 3rd in a field next to Kroger on Barnett Shoals Road after he purchased Megabanger bottle rockets from a fireworks vendor in the parking lot and then set one off in the nearby field.

The rocket ignited a fire and witnesses reported that Fucci got into his car and drove away as the flre spread with flames several feet high.

Several witnesses with extinguishers put out the fire, including an employee at the Kroger gas station.

Police found Fucci by locating his car at home, and they said he appeared to be intoxicated, slurring words and with the odor of alcoholic beverage on his breath.

He admitted to setting off a bottle rocket because some kids who were hanging out by the fireworks stand had asked him to, but said he was unaware of any fire.

Police on Sunday arrested Fucci on warrants charging him with reckless conduct, arson of woodlands, and illegal outdoor burning.

He was released from jail Tuesday afternoon upon posting bonds totaling $1,850.