View Full Version : Wayah Bald Tower damaged by fires.....
Macon County News is reporting this on their FB page...
The Wayah Bald Lookout tower was damaged by the wildfires. (fire damage photo courtesy of Outdoor 76). Along with the Wayah Bald Fire Tower, the Jones Cabin was a complete lost and stands as the first structure lost since the wildfires started in late October.
Sad news. Arson?
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MuddyWaters
11-25-2016, 17:07
Interesting since its made of stone and sits in a clearing.
perhaps a burning tree fell on it, or embers ignited roof
Theyve actively saved ratbox shelters in the woods, but couldnt save a stone structure with a road that goes to it?
https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcR1nW0YMbHplnTigQO_KLsZ7IXzuiBcs uiwe_qryyJVNXaFkgJNGg
the picture from this link
https://www.facebook.com/MaconCountyNews/?hc_ref=SEARCH&fref=nf
shows the roof burnt off but the foundation showing.......
Sad news. Arson?
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its from one of the many wildfires we have had in this region..........
most of the fires have been arson, but not sure if this one is or not......
its from one of the many wildfires we have had in this region..........
most of the fires have been arson, but not sure if this one is or not......
I heard from one of our former shuttle drivers the FBI was investigating. But she didn't say if it was one occurrence or multiple ones.
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saltysack
11-25-2016, 21:40
Interesting since its made of stone and sits in a clearing.
perhaps a burning tree fell on it, or embers ignited roof
Theyve actively saved ratbox shelters in the woods, but couldnt save a stone structure with a road that goes to it?
https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcR1nW0YMbHplnTigQO_KLsZ7IXzuiBcs uiwe_qryyJVNXaFkgJNGg
No kidding.....the shelter isn't far down the trail from the tower.......I'd be happy if the shelters didn't survive....go figure.
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Fireplug
11-27-2016, 21:17
The roof structure is made of wood. The top is burnt off.
daddytwosticks
11-28-2016, 08:14
Saw a picture on Facebook of the wall of flames on top of Wayah bald. I can understand how the tower can be damaged. It was a pretty frightening picture. As mentioned, I wonder how the shelter just a short distance north. :)
ScareBear
11-28-2016, 21:10
IIRC, there was plenty of open space surrounding the tower...
Secondly, how could they not tow a dozer to the top, via the lovely BLACKTOP paved road, and clear a firebreak around the damn tower, if the one in place wasn't already adequate?. Its at the TOP of a bald....sheeeeeeeesh....
Maybe it was arson. The culprit made sure that the roof burned. Just thinking out loud.
Wayne
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any word on any AT shelters being damaged by the fires?
YoungBloodOnTrail
11-29-2016, 08:22
A shame, I remember having a beautiful day here on my thru along with trail magic consisting of hard boiled eggs. Hopefully it's just the roof and the tower is still standing
any word on any AT shelters being damaged by the fires?
None at the time of this article on 11/25
https://rockmountainfire.wordpress.com/2016/11/25/the-appalachian-trail-and-the-rockmountainfire/