Neighbors help

save two Boone

homes from fires
By Melanie Davis

The Boone Fire Department responded to two fires within 12 hours from Tuesday night to Wednesday morning.

The first fire was reported at 9:18 p.m. Neighbors noticed the flames coming out of a home at 105 Slopes Court in Boone. The fire started in a doghouse, where the owner had placed a heating lamp. The blaze spread onto the deck and into a portion of the home before it was noticed. The owner, Jennie Wulfing, was not at home.

Upon arrival, firefighters found neighbors throwing buckets of water onto the fire in attempt to prevent spreading. Boone Fire Marshal Ronnie Marsh said they did an excellent job in keeping the fire in check while firefighters were en route.

The dog was able to escape unharmed.

“We understand the importance of caring for pets as members of the family,” Marsh said. “However, heating lamps, electric blankets and other appliances can endanger the pet and the home.”

Marsh said pet owners can protect animals from the cold by having a proper doghouse with a split plastic door and regular blankets within.

“You need only cut down on the wind. The dog's fur will protect them from the cold,” Marsh said.

The fire caused approximately $40,000 in damage to the house.

A neighbor was also instrumental in protecting the second home, which was reported to emergency services at 5:34 a.m. The house, located at 301 Wallace Circle, suffered an estimated $3,000 in damage due to improperly discarded smoking material.

Marsh said a cigarette had been tossed into shrubbery next to the home. The dry leaves coupled with the wind Wednesday morning caused the shrub to ignite. The flames spread into the crawl space under the home and into a bedroom wall.

Two college students, Andrew Dickson and Mark Ayari, were renting the property and were at home when the fire broke out.

A neighbor, and fellow Appalachian State University student, happened to be awake doing laundry in a nearby apartment complex. The student saw the smoke and called 911.

The residents were able to escape without injury and the fire was quickly controlled.

Marsh said the home was equipped with smoke detectors, though the detectors were not working properly and did not sound.

“It is very important to maintain smoke detectors,” Marsh said.

The fire marshal's offices in Watauga County, Boone, Blowing Rock and the county office, offer a smoke detector program. Someone will come to a home and install a detector if there is not one in place, or can check the detector to ensure proper functioning.

Marsh added that smoking material should always be discarded in a metal or glass container and should be fully extinguished. Lit cigarettes should never be tossed onto the ground, particularly during dry seasons.