Fire
A fire sparked by a lightning strike destroyed multiple condominiums at the Snow Tree Villas on Beech Mountain, North Carolina, early Sunday morning. The fire began around 5:30 a.m. and quickly engulfed at least three units and two vehicles, including a Jeep, at the popular ski resort.
Eyewitnesses reported that the fire originated from a lightning bolt striking a balcony of one of the “ski-in/ski-out” properties located at 105 Wedling Weg, just off the slopes of Beech Mountain Resort. The situation escalated rapidly as several large propane tanks vented, intensifying the flames.
Crystal Rogers, a guest at the resort, described the harrowing scene on social media: “Lightning struck the back deck two doors down and then transformers started blowing, then propane tanks.” The fire spread to nearby transformers and power lines, causing widespread outages.
Emergency responders faced significant challenges accessing the site due to fallen trees from Hurricane Helene, which had previously struck the region. “Fire trucks had to cut their way here through fallen trees,” Rogers added.
- Related: [VIDEO] 2 Hospitalized at Beech Mountain, NC, After Water Line Violently Sprays Skiers on Chairlift
Despite the destruction, no injuries were reported. Fire investigators confirmed that six units sustained damage, but all occupants evacuated safely. The Beech Mountain Police Department assisted displaced residents with temporary housing arrangements.
The incident forced Beech Mountain Resort to halt operations on Sunday, March 16. Talia Freeman, the resort’s Director of Marketing, expressed sympathy for those affected: “We are deeply saddened by the damage caused by the fire, and our hearts go out to the property owners who were affected.”
Beech Mountain has seen 11 inches of natural snow this season, with two inches in March, and has a 65″ base.
Beech Mountain Resort is in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina, specifically atop Beech Mountain, which stands at 5,506 feet. This makes it the highest town in the Eastern United States, offering a unique blend of cool summers and snowy winters. The resort is a premier destination for outdoor enthusiasts, providing access to winter skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, hiking, and mountain biking during warmer months. Beech Mountain Resort is part of the High Country region, known for its picturesque landscapes and diverse wildlife, making it a popular getaway for those seeking both adventure and tranquility.
Beech Mountain Fire Photos
