MARION COUNTY, Tenn. – Tempers flared Thursday night at a Foster Falls community meeting as representatives for the new Jasper Highlands development tried to convince the local fire department to respond to emergency calls while the developers construct their own fire department.
By the end of the meeting, which was filled with shouting and accusations, nothing changed. So if a fire occurs in Jasper Highlands, no fire department will respond.
“It’s unbelievable that humans could act like that,” said John “Thunder” Thornton, Jasper Highlands’ developer.
There are seven houses occupied on Jasper Highlands with more currently being built. People from all over the country – 26 states total – as well as some people from Australia have purchased lots in the development.
A scenic view from one of many bluff view lots is seen at the Jasper Highlands subdivision atop Jasper Mountain in Marion County on Wednesday, July 30, 2014, near Kimball, Tenn.
John “Thunder” Thornton is seen in 2014 at one of many bluff view lots at the Jasper Highlands subdivision atop Jasper Mountain in Marion County.This all started after one resident, Edward Moriarty, drove up to the development recently to check on the construction of his home. While there, his car caught fire. When he called 911, sheriff’s deputies showed up but nobody from the fire department would come.