HENDERSONVILLE, N.C. — A western North Carolina couple is finding support from their community after losing their home in the Black Cove Complex Fire.

Matthew and Rosie Rogers owned their home, named the “Cabin of Hope,” in Flat Rock for 40 years.

They were working at their restaurant, Three Chopt Sandwich Shoppe, Sunday when they received an evacuation order. The Black Cove Complex Fire was inching closer to their home.

What You Need To Know

  •  Matthew and Rosie Rogers said they will rebuild their home, named “Cabin of Hope,” after it was destroyed in the recent wildfires

  •  The Rogers said they had owned their Flat Rock home for 40 years

  •  At least 11 homes have been destroyed in the Black Cove Complex Fire

“We were here [at the restaurant],” Matthew Rogers said. “That’s a good thing, because I would have fought like hell with a fire hose.”

The following morning, Rogers logged onto social media to find an aerial video of his demolished home.

“When I wake up in the morning at 7, that’s the first thing I see,” Rogers said. “I say, ‘Wait, that’s the dock. That’s Lake Anne. Then, there’s my house! Rosie, that’s our house! It’s gone.’” “When I wake up in the morning at 7, that’s the first thing I see,” Rogers said. “I say, ‘Wait, that’s the dock. That’s Lake Anne. Then, there’s my house! Rosie, that’s our house! It’s gone.’” 

Rogers, who is originally from Ohio, decided to buy a home in western North Carolina after falling in love with the area while attending summer camp. He and Rosie raised their children and grandchildren at the Cabin of Hope.

They had only been allowed to return to the property a week before the fire because Helene washed out a road to the house. 

Rogers said the home was full of photos, his father’s World War II scrapbooks and other family memories.

“We took our documents after the hurricane, but it’s the pictures, the history and a lot of the antiques [that are gone],” Rogers said.

It has been difficult for the Rogers since the fire. But, their friends and neighbors have been visiting them at their restaurant, reminding them that the community they have loved for decades will continue to support them through the tragedy.

“When they call you and come by and tell you, ‘We’re thinking, praying and whatever we can do.’ It makes you stronger,” Rogers said.

Rogers said he plans to rebuild his home. He also hopes to open a summer camp on the property one day.

The Black Cove Complex Fire has destroyed at least 11 homes, according to the North Carolina Forest Service.