Linville Gorge Wildfire 100% Contained: Abandoned Campfire Confirmed As Cause Of Fire

NEBO, NC (April 30, 2019) — Firefighters were successful in direct suppression efforts to contain the Brushy Ridge Fire, which is now 100% contained. The Brushy Ridge fire was reported on Sunday afternoon in a remote area near the Linville River on the northeast side of the Linville Gorge Wilderness Area on the US Forest Service Grandfather Ranger District in Burke County, NC.

52 firefighters worked to contain the fire yesterday. Hiking 2.5 miles down into the Gorge along the Brushy Ridge trail, the Asheville Interagency Hotshot crew dug fireline around the fire to limit its spread to a small area along the Linville River. The final containment area of the fire is 3 acres. Today, fire crews returned to the fire to monitor and mop-up remaining hot spots near the fire lines.

While there are currently no active flames, hot spots may remain in the interior of the fire until significant rainfall is received. The Brushy Ridge Trail (TR #235) will remain closed until the fire is fully extinguished. All other areas and trails in the Linville Gorge Wilderness are now open.

Law enforcement investigations confirmed the cause of the fire to be an abandoned campfire. Anyone with information about the cause of the fire is encouraged to call the Grandfather Ranger District Law Enforcement Officer at 828-652-2144.

As we move into the summer camping season, the US Forest Service reminds visitors to be careful with fire. Make sure all flames are extinguished with water or soil and coals are out cold before leaving your campsite.

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