Towering black tree proves lightning started wildfire in NC’s Linville Gorge, team says

A 12-acre wildfire burning in North Carolina’s Linville Gorge Wilderness was sparked when lightning turned a single tree into a giant matchstick, according to the U.S. Forest Service.

The Babel Tower fire was discovered Tuesday, April 25, on the west side of the Linville River, the forest service reported in a news release. The gorge is about 110 miles northwest of Charlotte.

“Firefighters located a completely blackened tree with exploded bark shards at the point of ignition, confirming lightning as the fire source,” officials said.

“Fire managers referenced lightning strike data from the past several days and confirmed an active strike in the area from storms on Saturday morning. Lightning strikes create intense heat that can remain within the wood and root system, igniting nearby vegetation when conditions become hot and dry.”

The blackened tree was found “in rugged terrain nearly 300 feet above the Linville River trail,” officials said.

Tourists visiting the area reported seeing smoke as early as Saturday afternoon.

Rains is forecast for the region through Friday, April 28, keeping the fire at minimal risk of growing, officials said. However, firefighters have been stationed near Old NC 105 and will intervene if the fire approaches the highway.

The Cabin Trail (Trail #246) and Babel Tower Trail (Trail #240) have been closed until the fire subsides.

Linville Gorge Wilderness is a remote section of the Pisgah National Forest in western North Carolina’s mountains.

“The gorge is formed by the Jonas Ridge on the east and Linville Mountain on the west and is bisected by the Linville River which drops 2,000 feet into the valleys below,” the U.S. Department of Agriculture reports.

“The terrain is steep and rugged with numerous rock formations. It is covered by dense hardwood/pine forest and a wide variety of smaller trees.”

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