Beaver Dam

home destroyed by fire
By Melanie Davis
Melanie@mountaintimes.com

An afternoon fire destroyed a home in the Beaver Dam community Tuesday.

The home on Peoria Road, near the Tennessee state line, was fully involved with fire when firefighters arrived on scene.

Homeowner Randy Keller was at home when the fire broke out. He was working in the garage adjacent to the home.

Keller told fire officials he heard a popping noise, walked outside and discovered the flames.

Peoria is a rural community. Keller drove to the nearest neighbor to call 911.

He and wife, Penny, who was visiting a neighbor at the time, returned to the home to discover the flames had broken through the roof.

Beaver Dam Volunteer Fire Department responded to the 1:30 p.m. call. They were assisted with tankers and manpower from the Cove Creek Volunteer Fire Department and the Zionville Volunteer Fire Department.

The three-bedroom house, occupied by the Kellers and their adult son, was a complete loss. The home was insured.

The Watauga Chapter of the American Red Cross is currently assisting the Keller family with hotel accommodations, food and clothing. To make a donation, call (828) 264-8226.

The Watauga County Fire Marshal's Office was called in to investigate the blaze. The fire has been called accidental, though the exact cause is undetermined.