Mt Mansfield Hut Burns

[ChrisB]

Looks like the Stone Hut near the top of Mansfield burned up (down?) on Xmas Eve.

This story has some details.

cb

 

[1SlowHiker]

I don't recall seeing this hut. I guess its below the ridge at the top of the ski lifts. Isn't there a fairly large wooden hut half way up coming up from the north?

 

[Vermonster]

There are additional details in the state police press release. http://vtstatepolice.blogspot.com/2015/12/press-release_29.html
I hope I don't sound too sharp by saying the fire was caused by stupidity.

Quote:
The fire was caused due to the occupants renting the facility bringing in wood from an outdoor shed nearby at approximately 2:15 PM on 12/23/15. The wood was wet and needed to be dried before burning. Once the metal woodstove was burning the wet fire wood was stacked next to it, some if it actually leaning on the stove itself, to dry. The door to the stove was propped open slightly with another piece of wood in an attempt to keep the stove drafting. The occupants intended to keep the Stone Hut warm for a family friend who was supposed to arrive later that afternoon to spend the night. The occupants left the stove burning, locked the door, and left the mountain at 2:45 PM on 12/23/15.
Endquote

 

[Remix]

There are additional details in the state police press release. http://vtstatepolice.blogspot.com/2015/12/press-release_29.html
I hope I don't sound too sharp by saying the fire was caused by stupidity.

Quote:
The fire was caused due to the occupants renting the facility bringing in wood from an outdoor shed nearby at approximately 2:15 PM on 12/23/15. The wood was wet and needed to be dried before burning. Once the metal woodstove was burning the wet fire wood was stacked next to it, some if it actually leaning on the stove itself, to dry. The door to the stove was propped open slightly with another piece of wood in an attempt to keep the stove drafting. The occupants intended to keep the Stone Hut warm for a family friend who was supposed to arrive later that afternoon to spend the night. The occupants left the stove burning, locked the door, and left the mountain at 2:45 PM on 12/23/15.
Endquote

Its very accessible from Rt 108 (the road that goes through Smuggler's Notch) on the Long Trail, even more so if the road is not closed and covered with deep snow, as I recall. So the assumption is that it is would not be treated with the same degree of care as experienced hikers would give to a lean-to. Maybe GMC will assist in rebuilding. Might be some volunteer opportunities coming up.

 

[Vermonster]

For those interested, follow this link to an aerial view of the location.
https://www.google.com/maps/@44.5241471,-72.8083455,419m/data=!3m1!1e3?hl=en

 

[TJsName]

This is why we can't have nice things (like a stove in the Cabot Cabin). Part of me wonders if the firefighters could have used a snow gun to fight the flames. I'm not it's not practical, but it's a fun visual in my mind.

 

[Snowflea]

Sad. That's why the GMC removed all the wood stoves from the enclosed LT shelters that had 'em. (Note that the Stone Hut was not on the Long Trail.). More info about the hut:

http://www.vtstateparks.com/htm/stonehut.htm

 

[egilbe]

I hope the people resposible for burning it down are also responsible for rebuilding it.

 

[jfb]

http://www.stowetoday.com/stowe_rep...1e5-b09a-27a4a3f3b1af.html?mode=image&photo=6

Story and photos.

 

[Grey J]

The word "bonehead" was recently tossed around in another thread where I believe it did not apply.
While not prone to name calling, I think perhaps it might apply here.