Fire Damage at Wolfe Shelter

Paul C. Wolfe Shelter

(Photo: Lori A.)

 

The Trail Maintenance Supervisor (TMS) was notified by email dated March 11 that there had been a fire at the shelter.  The reporting hiker, who is a long-time "friend of the shelter" and checks on it whenever he is in the area, also sent the pictures below. It appears that a fire was built (by persons unknown) on the shelter's covered porch and burned through quite a few boards and also partially burned through at least two joists. The hole diameter is approximately 3 feet. 

 

 

First pictures showing fire damage to the shelter porch.
 (Photos: Reporting Hiker)

Upon receiving the damage report, the following action has been taken:

• Our agency partner, the Blue Ridge Parkway District Ranger has been notified since the shelter is on park property. The 'go-ahead' has been received to repair the damage.
• An incident report has been filed with ATC.
• A Project Manager has been appointed by the TMS and he is leading a Damage Assessment Crew in to the shelter on Saturday, March 16 (today) to assess the extent of the damage. If possible, the hole in the flooring will be temporarily covered until permanent repairs can be made.

Future action regarding the shelter repairs:

Based on the assessment information collected March 16, the Project Manager will determine the extent and method of repairs to be made and put together a team with the necessary expertise to carry out those repairs.


Note:  The blog will be updated with information/pictures, etc. as events transpire and progress is made regarding the shelter damage assessment and repair(s).  If you would like to get the updates 'automatically', see the information at the bottom of this post.

(Photo: Merlot)

 

 

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