The still was uncovered after a fire broke out in the woods off Old Halls Hill Pike.MURFREESBORO, Tenn. -
Lascassas and Walter Hill volunteer firefighters discovered an active moonshine still while battling a blaze in the woods off Old Halls Hill Pike.
According to authorities the still consisted of a small Coleman stove and a two-gallon stainless steel pot that contained the mash to make the whiskey. Coming out of the pot was a copper line leading to a bucket to cool it off.
Detectives recovered a half gallon of apple pie moonshine and one quart of regular moonshine. Apple juice, apple cider and cinnamon sticks were also found.
Based on the size of the materials, Rutherford County Sheriff Robert Arnold estimated the still as a small operation.
It was the first moonshine still found in Rutherford County since the early 1970s.
The investigation into who owned the still is ongoing.
Deputies spoke to nearby neighbors, but have been unable to determine who owns the still.
The owners of the property were believed not to be aware of the illegal still.
Sheriff Arnold said a cigarette butt tossed at the scene likely caused the fire and it was unrelated to the moonshine operation.
