BOONE, N.C. — Avery County has a position for a firefighting leader who chases smoke from outdoor fires. It’s called a “smoke chaser,” and the role belongs to a Lindsey Blair. 

The new smoke chaser comes as a recent drought caused fires to pop up around Avery County. 

“The usual burns we have is burning piles that people left unattended,” Blair said.

In one situation, a falling power line set a blaze. Blair says what most people don’t know is water is rarely used.

“We can’t reach it so we go into the fire and have fun with it,” Blair said.

It’s a skill she learned at age 18. Blair’s father was a firefighter, so she followed in his footsteps but recently took on a new title.

Blair is the county’s first ever female “smoke chaser.”

“They say we chase smoke, so that’s basically what we do is we chase smoke,” Blair said.

Her truck stays ready. “At first it’s kind of scary but the adrenaline rush makes you want to go back in for it. I love it. I love fire,” Blair said. She says Avery County is her home.

“I love the outdoors. Outdoor [fire] fighting is more fun than structural fire to me,” Blair said.

She says it’s her job and her passion to protect it. “It’s pretty fun to be the only girl to be a smoke chaser but I’m getting to use it,” Blair said.