Last Updated on April 15, 2026 12:58 pm
A reported explosion and large fire brought multiple emergency agencies to Burl Brown Road in the Vilas community early Wednesday morning, and investigators have been called to the scene.
Watauga Communications Center received the call at approximately 1:43 a.m. on April 15 reporting an explosion and fire at 625 Burl Brown Road. Cove Creek, Foscoe, Zionville, and Boone fire departments responded, along with the North Carolina Forest Service, Watauga County EMS, Watauga County Rescue Squad, the Watauga County Fire Marshal, and Watauga County Patrol. The Fire Marshal's Office also requested an on-call Watauga County Sheriff's Office investigator.
As of the agency's release Wednesday morning, the fire is under control. A joint investigation is ongoing between the Watauga County Fire Marshal's Office and the Watauga County Investigations Division.
Residents near Vanderpool Road above Cove Creek Elementary School should expect lingering smoke and emergency vehicles to remain in the area.
Officials say additional information will be released as it becomes available. WataugaOnline will continue to follow this story.
