Suspicious Incendiary Device Discovered Near Blue Ridge Parkway Triggers Evacuation Alert
Rangers and agencies evacuate Blue Ridge Parkway amid suspicious device threat near Asheville.
Rangers from the National Park Service responded swiftly to reports of a suspicious object found along a section of the Blue Ridge Parkway near Asheville, North Carolina, on Sunday morning. According to officials, the device was discovered at approximately 11:45 a.m., near the intersection by the Folk Art Center, prompting immediate action from authorities and emergency response teams.
The Asheville Police Department Bomb Squad, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation were dispatched to the scene. Fire and emergency crews from both Asheville and Riceville also arrived to provide support. As a precautionary measure, the Folk Art Center was quickly evacuated and a nearby stretch of the parkway was temporarily closed to ensure public safety while specialists investigated the item.
After a thorough examination, specialists safely removed the device without incident. The National Park Service announced that there is no current threat to the public in connection with the event. Officials have described the object as an "Improvised Incendiary Device," though further details about its construction or potential intent have not yet been released. The NPS’s Investigative Services Branch has launched a full inquiry into the matter and is urging anyone with information to contact them via phone, online tip submission, or email.
Sunday's discovery comes amid heightened regional awareness following several fire-related emergencies and suspicious device discoveries elsewhere in the Southeast. The incident temporarily disrupted access to one of the region’s most popular stretches of the Blue Ridge Parkway, a scenic route that has been central to the mountain communities of Virginia and North Carolina for nearly nine decades.
The Blue Ridge Parkway serves not only as a major thoroughfare connecting Shenandoah National Park in Virginia with the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina, but it is also a celebrated corridor of culture, history, and natural beauty. With numerous campgrounds, hiking trails, and overlooks, the parkway draws millions of visitors each year seeking panoramic views and a slower pace through the Appalachian highlands.
This incident serves as a reminder for locals and travelers alike to remain vigilant while enjoying the natural and cultural experiences offered along this historic route. Authorities continue their investigation and ask that any suspicious activity be promptly reported to ensure the continued safety of all visitors.
