News Release

Clean up of collapsed house at Cape Hatteras National Seashore to begin

Remnants of collapsed house on the morning of Feb. 11, 2022.

National Park Service photo

News Release Date: February 11, 2022

Contact: Michael Barber, 252-270-5389

Last evening, the owner of a collapsed house on Cape Hatteras National Seashore (Seashore) property submitted a removal plan and hired a contractor to complete an extensive cleanup of the house and many miles of Seashore beach. After a careful review of the plan, the Seashore this morning issued the homeowner a special use permit to immediately begin removal work.

W.M. Dunn Construction, LLC (Powells Point, N.C.) has been hired by the owner of the collapsed house in Rodanthe, N.C. to remove the house and all associated debris. National Park Service rangers have observed debris along approximately 15 miles of beach to the south of the collapsed house site.

“The large debris field from the fallen house poses a risk to Seashore visitors,” stated David Hallac, superintendent, National Parks of Eastern North Carolina. “We have been in contact with the owner of the home since the day of its unfortunate collapse and appreciate his efforts to follow through on submitting a removal plan and hiring a contractor to clean up the beach and eliminate hazards.”

Visitors should use caution when participating in recreational activities on the beach and in the ocean between the villages of Rodanthe and Avon due to debris from the collapsed house.

• Sections of the collapsed house and its associated debris have been observed in the surf line and hundreds of meters out from the surf. Surfers and mariners should use caution in these areas.

• Wood debris that washes up on the beach might contain sharp, exposed nails which could cause harm to pedestrians and damage to vehicle tires.

• Beachgoers that observe chemicals or other hazardous materials should call 252-473-3444.

The beach near the site of the collapsed house is temporarily closed. Short-term closures south of the house site may be necessary. Beach closures will be announced at http://go.nps.gov/beachaccess and via text alert (text CAHAORV to 333111).

Additional photos are available on Cape Hatteras National Seashore’s Flickr page.

The debris field from the collapsed house stretches many miles to the south.

National Park Service photo

House debris from near the site of the collapse.

National Park Service photo

Debris from collapsed house extends beneath nearby homes.

National Park Service photo