When the first responders arrived, they found two structures, multiple trucks and box trailers, and multiple large pallet stacks fully afire.
SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): A large brush fire consumed a lumber company and about 10 acres of land in Patrick County on Friday.
The early morning fire was reported around 1 a.m. at Gregory Pallet and Lumber Co. at 1839 Russell Creek Road in Stuart. All Patrick County Fire and EMS crews responded and were assisted by crews from surrounding counties in Virginia and North Carolina, a release from Patrick County Emergency Operations Coordinator Scottie Cassell stated.
Mandatory evacuation orders were issued around the fire and roads were closed while the flames were being fought. Although the evacuations have now been lifted and the roads have been reopened, traffic remained limited on Russell Creek Road while cleanup operations were underway and an investigation into the cause of the fire began.
"The Patrick County Sheriff's Office is currently investigating a commercial structure fire that occurred at Gregory Pallet and Lumber Company in Stuart," Sheriff Dan Smith said in a written statement. "The fire was first called in to the 911 Communications Center at approximately 1 a.m. on Friday morning. Multiple fire departments from around the region responded to fight the blaze. An estimated 10 acres burned. Because of the enormous scope of the physical damage and financial loss, the Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) and Virginia State Police will be assisting sheriff's personnel in the investigation to determine the cause and origin of the fire."
Company 26 in the town of Stuart was initially called to the scene and Engine 26, Squad, Tanker, and Brush 23 responded with 13 members, Patrick Springs Volunteer Fire Department (PSVFD) stated.
When the first responders arrived, they found two structures, multiple trucks and box trailers, and multiple large pallet stacks fully afire.
A command center was established and Engine 23 joined Engine 26, setting up a dual tank operation as firefighters began fighting the blaze. Other departments from across Patrick County and Stokes and Surry counties in North Carolina responded with additional water and manpower.
"While units were trying to control the fire, a secondary brush fire had started about half a mile from the original incident," PCVFD stated. The Virginia Department of Forestry joined to assist fighting the brush fire, containing the fire after more than 10 acres had burned.
"This was a very large incident and a testament to the teamwork and dedication from hardworking volunteers," said PCVFD.
There were no injuries reported as a result of the fire and an estimate of the loss has not yet been determined.
Courtesy: www.martinsvillebulletin.com
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