The Fourth of July is known for fireworks and explosions, but the last thing we think of when celebrating the birth of our fine nation are deadly explosives in our local swimming holes.
The device was found underwater at 1 p.m. on the West Fork of the Pigeon River near the Sunburst Campground on Lake Logan Road. Local authorities were unsure if the device was a threat to the public, but took no chances when detonating it, which had been submerged for an unknown amount of time. No one was harmed and the scene returned to normal by 6 p.m. that day.
“Deputies were met on the scene by responders from the U.S. Forest Service, North Carolina Highway Patrol, NCDOT, and the Asheville Police Department’s Hazardous Device Team” reported The Mountaineer, a Waynesville, N.C. based publication.
With dozens of swimming holes, miles of hiking trails, and incredible fishing, the Pigeon River is a popular destination in Western North Carolina. Making its way toward Tennessee, the river cascades over waterfalls, into deep pools, across shallow runs, and around massive boulders. It’s beautiful, easy to get to, and the last place you would expect to find a dangerous explosive device. We are currently awaiting a response from the U.S. Forest Service for more information.
Justin Forrest is an outdoor writer, fly fishing addict, and co-founder of Narrative North—based in Asheville, N.C. He posts pictures of cats and fishing on Instagram sometimes.
