‘Every house has a story, and every neighbour knows it. To see those stories reduced to ash is heartbreaking.’Published Aug 27, 20256 minute readPlanchen Cottage, a heritage home over 100 years old, was at the heart of Salty Seas Cottages’ story in Ochre Pit Cove. CONTRIBUTEDArticle contentTammy and James Beahm, owners of Salty Seas Cottages in Ochre Pit Cove, Newfoundland, lost three of their properties, including the heritage Planchen Cottage, in the Kingston wildfire. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY.Subscribe now to access this story and more:Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsSUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES.Subscribe or sign in to your account to continue your reading experience.Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsRegister to unlock more articles.Create an account or sign in to continue your reading experience.Access additional stories every monthShare your thoughts and join the conversation in our commenting communityGet email updates from your favourite authorsSign In or Create an AccountorArticle contentThe wildfire, which has burned more than 10,000 hectares and remains classified as “out of control,” has left a trail of devastation across homes, cottages, and small businesses along the north shore. Article contentArticle contentArticle contentCrews from Newfoundland and Labrador, Ontario, and British Columbia continue to battle persistent hot spots, with water bombers and heavy-capacity helicopters on standby. Article contentBRACING FOR THE UNKNOWN Article content“It was incredibly tense, each day became a cycle of constant monitoring,” Beahm recalled of the early days as the fire crept closer. Article contentShe and her husband spent hours refreshing satellite images, tracking wind patterns, and scanning news feeds. Article content“I don’t think an hour went by without someone checking their phone.” Article contentThe couple’s concern extended beyond their own property. Article content“In our communities, most people have friends or family serving as volunteer firefighters, so the worry was even more personal,” Beahm said. Article contentTHE CONFIRMATION CALL Article contentThe Beahm’s learned the extent of their losses last Tuesday morning, Aug. 13, 2025.Article content“We got the call on Tuesday morning, three of our cottages and our storage barn had burned down,” Beahm said. Article contentArticle contentHer father had answered the phone, and she remembers the kindness on the other end. Article content“They asked if we were okay and offered to stay on the line if we needed to talk.” Article contentEven so, the news was not entirely unexpected. Article content Tammy Beahm noted that stepping into Planchen Cottage always felt like coming home. CONTRIBUTEDArticle content“Honestly, it wasn’t a huge shock. We already knew the heritage home across the road was gone, so we were bracing for bad news, just waiting to hear whether we had anything left.” Article contentIn the first minutes after the call, a flood of memories surfaced. Article content“I kept thinking about small things I’d left in the cottages, little memories surfacing one by one,” she said. Article contentAs the morning unfolded, it became clear that many others were facing similar losses. Article content“It was heartbreaking. So many families were facing devastating losses.” Article contentAmid the grief, the Beahm’s began considering what remained. Article content“That’s when we began thinking about the six cottages we still have, and whether we could use them to support people who had lost everything,” she said. Article contentTHE HEART OF THE BUSINESS Article contentPlanchen Cottage had been central to the Beahms’ story in tourism. Article content“It was a private vacation home, and every time I drove past it, I admired the charm of the house and the beauty of the property,” Beahm said. Article contentSeeing the for-sale sign had confirmed their choice: “We had been thinking about opening a business somewhere, and when we saw the for-sale sign, we just knew we found our place.” Article contentFrom the moment she stepped inside, it felt like home. Article content“So many of our guests said the same thing, walking into Planchen felt like walking into their Nan’s house. It wasn’t just a building; it was the beginning of our story in tourism. It’s even been part of our logo since we opened,” she said. Article contentThe other two cottages lost were newly opened, with their first guests arriving only on the July 1st weekend. Article content Ouananiche Cottage was new and full of promise, Tammy Beahm remembers the excitement of welcoming its first guests before the fire changed everything. CONTRIBUTEDArticle content“We poured our heart and soul into the cottages, every detail was chosen with care, from the artwork by local artists to the music and books that celebrated Newfoundland and Labrador culture,” Beahm recalled. Article contentArticle contentAs the fire approached Ochre Pit Cove, her thoughts turned first to the painstaking work behind each property. Article content“My first thought was of all the hours we spent selecting each item, each piece of the experience we wanted to create. But that quickly shifted to concern for our community, hoping and praying that our friends and neighbours were safe, and that the firefighters and first responders would make it through unharmed.” Article contentASSESSING THE DAMAGE Article contentThe Beahm’s have not yet been able to inspect their remaining cottages or their craft store and main office. Article contentOfficials have not deemed the area safe for residents to return. Article contentWhile they expect smoke damage, the uncertainty has been particularly draining. Article content“It’s nerve-wracking, I feel like if I could just see it, even if it’s bad, I could start making a plan. But being in this limbo, it’s emotionally exhausting,” Beahm said. Article contentArticle contentShe noted that confronting the property directly will at least provide clarity: “At least then we’ll be facing something real.” Article contentCOMMUNITY IMPACT Article contentThe loss in Ochre Pit Cove extends beyond the Beahms’ properties. Article content“The loss is just devastating. Hearing about the destruction has been overwhelming, the first drive through the communities is going to be very emotional,” she said. Article contentThe damage is tied not only to the physical structures but to generations of memories. Article content“Planchen Cottage, for example, was over 100 years old. It represented generations of stories, memories, and history. And it’s not alone. Other neighbours have lost homes and properties that had been in their families for decades, some even centuries. They weren’t just structures; they were anchors of identity and heritage.” Article contentSeeing this reshaped her understanding of their own loss. Article content“Every house has a story, and every neighbour knows it. To see those stories reduced to ash is heartbreaking. It’s changed how I see our own loss. We lost part of our business, yes, but others lost their roots, their sense of place, and the spaces where their lives unfolded,” Beahm said. Article contentOFFERING SHELTER Article contentEven amid personal loss, the Beahm’s have focused on helping those around them. Article content“When we started hearing how many homes were lost, our own loss felt smaller in comparison. We may have lost part of our business, but others lost homes filled with generations of memories,” Beahm said. Article contentInspired by the North Shore’s long-standing support, they hope to offer remaining cottages as long-term rentals for displaced families. Article content“Once everyone is back in their homes, we’ll reopen to guests. Right now, it’s about helping our neighbours and standing with our community.” Article contentArticle contentPlans are also underway to rebuild the lost cottages. Article contentREBUILDING AHEAD Article contentLooking forward, Beahm believes the North Shore will recover, though the path will be challenging. Article content Cozing Cottage, one of the newer Salty Sea properties, welcomed its first guests just weeks before the Kingston wildfire. CONTRIBUTEDArticle content“Things will never be the same, but I truly believe the North Shore will thrive again. We know the road ahead won’t be easy.” Article contentReturning to the property will bring further emotional weight. Article content“Our craft store, filled with pieces my husband and I made with our own hands, will likely be damaged beyond repair from the smoke. That kind of loss is deeply personal,” she said. Article contentThe practical side of rebuilding, logistics and planning, feels more manageable than the emotional toll. Article content“It’s the emotional part that lingers,” she added. Article contentStill, the couple is committed to restarting. Article content“Not just for ourselves, but for the community that’s supported us from Day 1. Rebuilding is our way of honoring what was lost and helping shape what comes next.” Article contentArticle contentRESPONSE EFFORTS Article contentBeahm described the response from firefighters, emergency crews, and volunteers as extraordinary. Article content“This experience has only reinforced what we already knew about this area, and about Newfoundland and Labrador as a whole. The way people have stepped forward to help has been nothing short of extraordinary,” she said.Article contentShe praised the first responders. Article content“We will never forget what the firefighters and emergency crews did. Every single one of them is a hero, and we can’t begin to imagine what they’ve been through.” Article contentVolunteers assisted in multiple ways, from pet rescues to community support. Article content“Everyone pulled together,” she said. Article contentUpdates and transparency from the provincial government also offered reassurance. Article content“That spirit of unity and compassion is what gives us hope. I truly believe our communities will rebuild, stronger than ever. There are no words that can fully express our gratitude to everyone who stood with us. We’ll carry that kindness with us as we move forward.” Article contentTHE NEXT CHAPTER Article contentLooking to the future, Beahm envisions Salty Seas Cottages as more than rebuilt buildings. Article content“I don’t just see buildings being rebuilt, I see a legacy of strength and connection,” she said. Article contentShe reflected on the cottages’ role for guests and locals alike. Article content“This place has always been more than a getaway. It’s where families make memories, where travelers find peace, and where locals feel pride. And every guest who walked through our doors has played a part in building that story.” Article contentEven after devastation, she hopes the cottages remain a space for community and comfort. Article contentBeahm said the message she hopes to leave is simple. Article contentCommunities, she explained, can recover and heal when people come together. Article content“And Salty Seas will continue to be a place where stories are shared, laughter echoes, and the ocean reminds us how vast and beautiful life can be.” Article content
Salty Seas Cottage owners face aftermath of Kingston fire
