Thursday fire damages The Library

A Thursday night fire damaged a local bar and led to at least one injury.

The fire was reported around 8 p.m. at the Library Pub and Restaurant when a Boone Police officer on patrol noticed smoke rising from the building.

Damages remain on Friday following a Thursday fire at The Library Restuarant and Pub on Blowing Rock Road in Boone. Photo by Melanie Davis

Boone Fire Marshal Ronnie Marsh said firefighters found moderate amounts of smoke coming from the roof of the building.

Assistance from Blowing Rock Fire and Rescue helped Boone Fire control the blaze in about 30 minutes. The restaurant was unoccupied at the time of the blaze.

One firefighter sustained a broken leg during the operation. The Boone Fire department has not released the firefighter’s name.

Marsh said the firefighter was transported to Watauga Medical Center for treatment.

Investigation of the blaze is ongoing by Marsh, Boone Police Department and the State Bureau of Investigation’s K-9 Arson unit. Investigators were on scene Friday morning.

Marsh said the owner of the building was en route to Boone from Charleston, S.C. The property was leased to the operators of the Library Pub and Restaurant.

The owner of the building is listed on Watauga County tax records as 603 Blowing Rock Road LLC, which is also the business’ address.

Boone firefighters battle the blaze on Thursday night. Photo by Tiffany Allison

The building was sold to the corporation by Baxters Restaurants Inc. in December 2007 for $1.2 million. The land at the time was valued at $690,000 and the building was valued at $485,700.

UPDATE: According to the N.C. Department of the Secretary of State, 603 Blowing Rock Road LLC was organized by Dustin N. Stacy. The limited-liability corporation's address is listed as 365 Peacock Drive, Blowing Rock.

— Melanie Davis and Jason Reagan