A Union County man is in custody following his arrest by law enforcement officials with the North Carolina Forest Service, with assistance from the Georgia Forestry Commission’s Law Enforcement unit, on wildland arson charges.

Forty-eight-year-old Kevin James Roper of Blairsville is charged with 10 counts of arson of lands in connection with a series of fires in North Carolina and an additional seven counts of arson of lands in Georgia. Once released from North Carolina custody, Roper will be transferred to Georgia to face charges.

According to GFC Chief of Law Enforcement John Harris, Roper is a suspect in 17 intentionally-set fires across Georgia and North Carolina. The case began with a spree of fires on December 30, 2025, which included six roadside fires in Georgia and two in North Carolina. Over the past three months, seven additional roadside fires were reported in North Carolina and one in Georgia.

The Georgia Forestry Commission and the North Carolina Forest Service conducted a joint investigation that led to the suspect’s apprehension and confession.

“GFC’s law enforcement team is meticulous and professional, and they work hand in hand with partner agencies both in-state and out-of-state,” said Georgia Forestry Commission Director Johnny Sabo. “Wildfire danger has been above normal since last fall in Georgia, so the thorough investigation and excellent collaboration between GFC law enforcement and the North Carolina Forest Service could very well have prevented a serious disaster.”

Arson is one of the leading causes of wildfires in Georgia. Those convicted of arson face strict penalties under Georgia law, including fines of up to $50,000 or one to 20 years in prison.

GFC maintains an Arson Hotline at 1-800-GA-TREES. For more information, visit GaTrees.org.

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