Archived Outdoors
Lightning responsible for Linville Gorge fire
The Linville Gorge fire reached 12 acres before humid conditions allowed firefighters to take an indirect approach in their response. USFS photo
Lightning ignited a wildfire in the Linville Gorge Wilderness last week, but humid conditions and rainfall allowed firefighters to take an indirect approach in their response, limiting impact to the wilderness area.
The Babel Fire was reported Tuesday, April 25, in a remote area between Cabin Trail and Babel Tower Trail in Burke County and grew to 12 acres before humid conditions moved in. Firefighters then fell back to Old N.C. 105 to stop the fire if it approached the road. No fire lines were constructed, and no firing operations took place.
Fire crews returned later to the fire to monitor assess remaining fire activity. Fire activity was minimal with no growth and only minimal residual smoke. No additional fire growth is expected.
