Fire damages

Boone Saloon
By Melanie Davis
Melanie@mountaintimes.com

A fire caused the evacuation of a downtown restaurant and bar Thursday night.

A fire in the rear of the Boone Saloon was reported just after 11:30 p.m.

Upon arrival, members of the Boone Fire Department found heavy smoke throughout the building, with fire venting from the rear of the establishment.

Assistance was called from the Blowing Rock Fire Department. Members of the Meat Camp and Foscoe volunteer fire departments assembled at their stations on stand-by, but were not called to the scene. Watauga Medics were also on scene. No injuries were reported.

The staff evacuated the crowd of nearly 70, who were assembled for a Cosmic Charlie concert, quickly and without incident prior to the fire department's arrival.

King Street from the intersection of College Street to the intersection of Appalachian Street was closed during the firefighter operation. The blaze was under control within 30 minutes, though firefighters stayed on scene until 4:30 a.m. to ensure the flames were completely extinguished.

Capt. Jimmy Isaacs with the Boone Fire Department said the fire had spread into the roof and other concealed spaces within the rear of the building.

Damage was estimated at $200,000 to the structure and $125,000 to the contents.

The building is owned by Tommy Ballas of Winston-Salem. The business occupant, Boone Saloon, is owned by Matt Johnston. Neither Ballas nor Johnston could not be reached for comment.