Ferocious Fire Fuels Fundraiser

Promotional logo, which will be used to promote the fundraising event for the Beech Mountain Volunteer Fire Department. Photo Creds: Leila McTier

Abbi Clark, Sports Desk Lead of The Powderhorn

Snow, wind, and ice often come to mind when thinking about mountains and ski slopes. But fire? Fire is often the last thing that comes to mind. Unfortunately, the community of Beech Mountain, NC, had no choice but to think about the inferno that engulfed their homes. One member of the Beech Mountain community is freshman Watauga student, Leila McTier.

“I was in a house fire on Beech Mountain,” said McTier. “We got really lucky that the firefighters came and saved our house because it was a massive fire.”

On March 16, 2025, a group of houses caught fire on Beech Mountain. It had been storming that night, and power was already out on the mountain, when one house’s porch was struck by lightning, setting the whole group of houses ablaze. 6 houses and at least 2 cars were destroyed. The Beech Mountain Volunteer Fire Department had to cut its way through fallen trees to reach the affected houses. 

“It inspired me,” said McTier. “I want them to have really good equipment. A tree fell, and they couldn't get to my house for almost an hour. I'm hoping to help them get better equipment and more resources to help them save more.”

Since the fire, McTier has been planning a fundraising event for the Beech Mountain Fire Department, which is made up entirely of volunteers. Most of the volunteers also have to balance their actual jobs and personal time to stay devoted to saving lives.

“Since they are volunteers, they don't get paid to do anything,” said McTier. “They do this just for the sake of loving to do this. And we want to raise money for them.”

McTier has been working with the Beech Mountain recreation center, Buckeye Recreation, to help plan the fundraising event. They have decided to name the event the Code Red Road Race.

“It's going to be a 5K and a one-mile fun run to raise money,” said McTier. “There will be food trucks, and we're hoping to do an after-party thing, with food, drinks, and a barbecue.”

No details have been set in stone, but the goal is for the course to start somewhere on Beech Mountain and end at the fire department to celebrate the firefighters with the after-party event. The Code Red Road Race is set to take place on Memorial Day weekend, where admission prices and donations will be given directly to the fire department.

“We're gonna do admission prices at about $45. So all the admission prices are going to go straight to the firefighters. It's gonna be a direct deposit to the firefighters. Nothing will go towards any of us,” said McTier. “We are hoping to get some sponsors. So, if any local businesses would like to help us sponsor, all of that money would go to the firefighters also.”

More fundraiser details will be finalized as the event date draws closer. Once McTier and the Buckeye Recreation administration determine race courses, times, and sponsors they will be released and advertised through social media and other local sites. Anyone is welcome to come and run, walk, and support the firefighters that risk their lives for little reward and no pay. 

“If you’re able to come, it will be a great way to raise money and give back to the people who put their lives on the line and don't get much in return,” said McTier. “They don't get money for it. They don't get paid. They're volunteers, so they're putting their lives on the line to save you. They're risking their lives to save you, so come give back to them as a remembrance of what they do for all of us.”