A fire ripped through Brandies Country Cafe on East King Street Monday evening.

The initial call at approximately 6 p.m. reported a fire in the adjoining Kangaroo Express convenience store. A store employee noticed smoke coming into the business. Upon arrival, Boone Fire Department firefighters discovered heavy smoke in the restaurant and flames in the concealed ceiling space.

Local firefighters battle a fire, which damaged a Boone restaurant and gas station on Monday night. Photo courtesy of Dawn Shumate

The flames spread through the roof structure, causing significant damage and extending into the roof structure of the Kangaroo Express.

Mutual aid was requested from the Deep Gap Volunteer Fire Department and Blowing Rock Fire and Rescue. Eleven members of the Deep Gap department responded with an engine. Eight members of the Blowing Rock department responded with an additional engine and a tower truck to spray water directly onto the roof.

Boone fire marshal Ronnie Marsh said, “This was a significant fire and their help was greatly appreciated. We couldn’t do it by ourselves.”

Watauga Rescue was on scene, although no injuries were reported.

Boone Police Department and Watauga County Sheriff’s Office were on scene to divert traffic around the block.

Brandies Country Cafe sustained $125,000 in damages to the building and $120,000 to the contents. The Kangaroo Express suffered $125,000 in damages to the building and $200,000 to the contents. Marsh explained that with the convenience store, the contents damages are higher due to the fact that the consumable goods cannot be sold after extensive smoke damage.

Marsh will continue his investigation throughout Tuesday.

Members of the Cove Creek Volunteer Fire Department were on standby at the Boone fire station to respond to any other call received while Boone firefighters were on scene. Marsh said they did respond to a fire alarm.