Suspicious incendiary device found near Blue Ridge Parkway prompts evacuation

Rangers with the National Park Arrangement NPS responded to a section of the Blue Ridge Parkway near Asheville North Carolina on Sunday after receiving reports of a suspicious item in the dirt Executives with the NPS disclosed the device was located near an intersection by the Folk Art Center at about a m The Asheville Police Department Bomb Squad Federal Bureau of Examination FBI and the North Carolina State Bureau of Review responded to the scene as did fire and crisis crews from Asheville and Riceville The NPS explained the Folk Art Center was evacuated and a section of the parkway was closed temporarily as a precaution MULTIPLE WILDFIRES IN THE CAROLINAS FORCE EVACUATIONS BURN BAN ISSUED IN SOUTH CAROLINASpecialists safely removed the item and the NPS commented there are no current threats to the inhabitants Functionaries referred to the device as an Improvised Incendiary Device The NPS did not respond to Fox News Digital s request for further information The NPS stated its investigative services branch is analyzing the matter Anyone with information about the affair is encouraged to contact the NPS Investigative Services Branch at - - by submitting a tip at go nps gov SubmitATip or by emailing the agency at nps isb nps gov FBI LOCATED BOMBS AT VIRGINIA HOME IN DECEMBER PROSECUTORS SAYConstruction of the Blue Ridge Parkway began nearly years ago at Cumberland Knob North Carolina which is at the Virginia margin Since then the parkway has become an integral part of the mountains and the Appalachian communities that lie along its -mile track as well as a gateway to the region s way of life and history BOMB-MAKING MATERIALS REVEALED AT NEW ORLEANS AIRBNB LINKED TO BOURBON STREET TERRORIST REPORTWith a top speed of mph along its curving roads the parkway also offers a chance for visitors to slow down and enjoy the scenery The overlooks offer breathtaking views of the mountains and valleys sunrises and sunsets and the stars on clear nights The parkway connects Shenandoah National Park with the Great Smoky Mountains National Park It starts at Rockfish Gap Virginia intersecting Skyline Drive and winds southwest through Virginia into mountainous western North Carolina Travelers will find campgrounds and hiking trails glimpses of small-town Appalachian life in places like Floyd Virginia the small cities of Roanoke Virginia and Asheville North Carolina and several other treasures tucked away in the mountains The Associated Press contributed to this overview