Submitted by Shane Robbins
On September 14, at 11:26 p.m., the Boone Fire Department responded to a reported structure fire at 110 Clyde Townsend Road. While en-route, Watauga County Dispatch advised there were three victims trapped inside the apartment, according to law enforcement officers already at the scene. Boone Fire arrived and found an apartment with heavy fire venting to the exterior from the windows and doorway. Extinguishment and rescue operations started and three victims were removed from the apartment. Three additional victims had evacuated with the help of law enforcement prior to the fire department’s arrival. All six victims were transported to Watauga Medical Center. The three victims removed from the apartment by Boone firefighters died due to the fire.
Luz Clari ta Cid Flores, age 5
Anadacy Flores, age 6
Liliana Flores, age 8
One additional victim was transferred to Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center in Winston-Salem for treatment. The final two additional victims received treatment at Watauga Medical Center.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation at this time. The Boone Fire Department and the Watauga County Fire Marshal’s Office are conducting the investigation.
Cover Creek and Foscoe Fire Departments responded to the scene to assist Boone Fire. Blowing Rock Fire Rescue staffed one of Boone’s Stations to provide additional response as needed during this incident.
Engines 4 and 8, Tankers 1 and 2, Squad 1 and four staff vehicles responded to the alarm.