A house fire in Blowing Rock, which initially sparked concerns of a potential wildfire, was contained to a single property, officials confirmed. The residence, located on the 200 block of Ski Acres Drive, was reported to have caught fire between 8:30 p.m. and 9 p.m. on Thursday near Appalachian Ski Mountain. Despite the initial alarm, the fire was not a wildfire but a structural blaze that was intense enough to cause concern among nearby residents and witnesses.
Officials declared the house a total loss after the fire was extinguished, according to WBTV. Fire departments from Blowing Rock, Boone, and Foscoe responded to the scene. Fortunately, the home was unoccupied, and no injuries were reported. While the flames were contained in the house, some small spot fires occurred nearby but did not become a larger forest fire.
According to a statement obtained by Queen City News, onlookers from afar mistook the large blaze for a wildfire, given the home's wooded surroundings. The Watauga County Fire Marshal's office is currently investigating the cause and origin of the fire, which remains unknown at this stage.
In a Facebook post cited by WCNC Charlotte, resident Holly Helmig reflected the community's relief stating, "It has been a devastating evening here, but no one has been injured, and no additional homes have been affected." Officials reassured those concerned that the fire was confined to just one property, quelling fear of it spreading on the mountain's side.
Emergency services and community members are supporting those affected by the fire. The investigation is ongoing.
