BEECH MOUNTAIN, N.C. (WNCN) — A massive North Carolina fire sparked by lightning burned at least three condos along the slopes of Beech Mountain on Saturday night, witnesses and reports said.
The blaze happened early Sunday at the Snow Tree Villas at 105 Wedling Weg, just off the slopes of the ski resort.
Several fire agencies responded to the fire reported around 5:30 a.m., which witnesses said was made worse by several large propane tanks that “vented” and fueled the blaze. No one was injured.
Three units of the Snow Tree Villas were destroyed. At least two cars, including a Jeep, were destroyed by the fire.
Witnesses also said fire crews had trouble accessing the area because of fallen trees that were already down from Hurricane Helene.
A young man first noticed the fire, called 911 and knocked on doors to alert people of the fire, according to Stacey Saunier who was at the scene.
The fire was sparked by a lightning strike on a balcony of the condos, which are described as “true ski-in/ski-out properties located on the slopes of Beech Mountain Resort.”
Photos showed eerie scenes of the ski slope with snow makers turned off and burning buildings in the background.
The blaze was also visible from several blocks away, appearing near daybreak almost like the sun rising in the area.
