Authorities believe Balls Creek Campground fire was intentional

By Marcie Young
Charlotte Observer Staff Writer

A fire that burned a portion of the Balls Creek Campground last week and damaged a dozen wooden tents was likely intentionally set, authorities said.

Shortly before 5 p.m. Friday, authorities received a call that some of the campground's tents -- wooden cabins built in long rows -- were in flames, said Maj. Coy Reid of the Catawba County Sheriff's Office.

The campground, about four miles southeast of Newton, is the site of the annual Balls Creek Camp Meeting, a religious revival and gathering that has been held for about 150 years.

The Catawba County Sheriff's Office, the Fire Marshal's Office and the State Bureau of Investigation are looking into the fire.It is the second time in seven months that Balls Creek tents have burned.

On Feb. 12, a fire destroyed one tent and damaged two others. Authorities believe that fire was also intentionally set, Reid said.


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