Fire At Flying Possum

(STAFF PHOTO: SUSAN PORTER) Fayetteville firefighters work to extinguish Flying Possum Leather on Monday, March 7 after an early morning fire gutted the building.

A fire has caused severe harm to Flying Possum Leather on Dickson Street in Fayetteville.

Firefighters attacked the blaze around 6:30 a.m. today (Monday, March 7). Bruce Walker, the owner since 1976, was taken to Washington Regional Medical Center.

Update: In a call to Washington Regional about 11:20 a.m., a spokeswoman could only say that Bruce was no longer at the hospital. However, NWAonline.com is reporting that Mr. Walker has died. If that is indeed the case, rest in peace, Bruce.

Flying Possum has long been a landmark on Dickson Street, and Bruce has been widely known for his leather work, particularly the leather guitar strap he created, and selling Birkenstock sandals.

Bruce Walker, owner and operator of Flying Possum Leather, in December 2010.