Updated at 4:25 p.m. Tuesday.
Cape Hatteras National Seashore officials started their Tuesday morning cleaning up another fallen oceanfront house on National Park Service property — and they’re asking for the public’s help.
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The unoccupied structure at 24131 Ocean Drive in Rodanthe likely collapsed around 2:30 a.m. Tuesday, officials said.
To protect visitors while the cleanup takes place, a milelong section of beach from Sea Haven Drive to South Shore Drive is temporarily closed.
This is the sixth house to collapse on seashore beaches in the past four years.
“Due to the direction that the debris is expected to drift, visitors are urged to avoid the beaches north of Sea Haven Drive into the southern portion of Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge. Dangerous debris may be present on the beach and in the water. Additional beach closures may be necessary as the debris spreads and cleanup efforts proceed,” Cape Hatteras National Seashore officials said.
The 1,501-square-foot, five-bedroom home with two and a half baths was built in 1970, according to real estate websites.
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Officials are also asking the public to for help cleaning up the debris associated with the collapse.
The cleanup is scheduled to take place 8 to 11:30 a.m. Wednesday at the Rodanthe Pier, 24251 Atlantic Drive. Supplies will be provided.
Many of the pieces of wood that have washed up on the beach have exposed nails, so all volunteers are encouraged to wear thick-soled footwear. Those under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
As of 4:11 p.m. Tuesday, 49 seashore employees, Chicamacomico Banks Fire and Rescue and a contractor hired by the property owner filled up 31 pickup trucks with debris and unloaded the debris at a nearby parking lot. The debris will be permanently disposed of in the coming days.
Varying amounts of beach debris extend from just south of the house collapse site to more than 2 miles to the north, within Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge.
