Kat's Fire

The fire occurred at 704 Beech Mountain Parkway, Kat’s Overlook. Captain Pudney first stated thank you to the Council for having the honor of serving as the Town’s Fire Captain, furthermore stating that he as well as his family were quite happy to be living on Beech Mountain. With regards to the fire, Captain Pudney acknowledged that this was a substantial fire on Beech Mountain with this building being a prominent structure within the community. First, Captain Pudney noted, that this was a very successful operation for a number of reasons most of which was cooperation between all surrounding departments; fire, police, public works, utilities and the communications center. Captain Pudney stated that this truly was a team effort. There were a total of 49 responders to the scene from various entities. Avery and Watuaga County Fire Marshalls as well as Banner Elk Police responded to assist Beech Mountain. The system was tested and the system worked very well.

The building in question was occupied at the time by a single occupant, a lady who was on the top floor reportedly doing laundry and heard the smoke detector. Captain Pudney stated that the smoke detector probably saved her life. The fire was behind her and the smoke detector was in the exit stairwell. She was on the fourth floor. Captain Pudney pointed out that because she heard the smoke detector and went to investigate she was able to see the actual fire that had started in a utility closet that housed a gas water heater. If that smoke detector had not gone off everything could have turned out completely different. She made an immediate call to our dispatch center reporting the fire.

Fire Captain Pudney also reported that in addition to this call dispatch received a number of calls from people on the ski slope and people driving by. The Beech Mountain Volunteer Fire Department had a very excellent response. There were twelve firemen on site within about eight minutes. The Fire Department provided two major fire engines quickly. The initial attack was from the front of the building. Initially there had been some difficulty with the fire hydrant which was covered by snow. However, there was a secondary hydrant which had been preplanned for this particular structure. With that plan in action water was pumped uphill to the fire engine that was in front of the building and then water was applied externally to the building. Of note, the Avery County Ladder Truck, responded on an automatic aid request. Fire Captain Pudney stated that he was very proud to say that where the fire began, where the fire was located and where the fire was burning was where it was stopped.

The remainder of the building was untouched by fire. Captain Pudney noted that there was substantial damage to the building however, 80% of the building was untouched by fire. That, Captain Pudney stated, is considered a successful operation. There were no injuries at the site. With that many responders on the scene this fact is of paramount importance. The Fire Marshall, insurance company, Town Building Department and Town Fire Department have been conducting an investigation. Currently the water heater is being targeted as where the fire began. That water heater, if it is a late model within twelve years, may become an issue with the manufacturer from a liability standpoint. The insurance company is handling that right now.

The building has been posted and taped off so the public doesn’t have easy access to it. Fire Captain Pudney concluded that he was leaving a detailed briefing report with Council to review at their leisure. Mayor Owen stated that he was glad Fire Captain Pudney was working for Beech Mountain and that he appreciated the oral report and that it was very informative.