Sunset Mountain Road home damaged by fire

Just before 4 p.m. Wednesday afternoon, Sam Bass pulled into the driveway of her Sunset Mountain Road home in Boone to see flames coming out of the roof.

Bass said she opened the door to let her two cats out. When Boone firefighters arrived, Bass told them her pets were out safely.

Soon after, a firefighter stepped out of the home carrying one cat that had managed to run back inside.
The home suffered significant damage to the attic and roof structure.

According to Boone Fire Department Lt. Mike Teague, the main floor of the home suffered smoke and water damage.

Foscoe Volunteer Fire Department assisted with a tanker truck and Blowing Rock Fire Department was on scene with additional manpower.

Engines from Blowing Rock fire and Cove Creek Volunteer Fire Department were stationed in Boone on standby for other potential calls while Boone firefighters were busy. Watauga Rescue and Watauga Medics were on standby though no injuries were reported.

“We [Jane and husband, Weldeon Bass] would like to thank the firefighters for their response and work,” Bass said. “The important thing is that we are safe.”

It took firefighters approximately 45 minutes to control the blaze as they battled through a heavy downpour and lightning.

The road to the home was long and narrow; trucks were stationed in driveways to allow tanker trucks with water to pass, according to Teague. Water was drawn from a pond on Pine Hill Road at the bottom of the long road.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

— By Melanie Marshall