Friday morning crews from multiple departments responded to assist Lake of the Woods Volunteer Fire & Rescue Company 29 with the report of a commercial structure fire in the 3400 block of Germanna Highway in Locust Grove. Spokesman John Farrell says upon arrival at approximately 0530, crews from Company 29 found a working fire at the office of Rapidan Service Authority.
Crews from Mine Run Volunteer Fire Company 21, Orange Volunteer Fire Company 23, County of Orange Fire and EMS, Spotsylvania Stations 5 & 7, Rapidan Volunteer Fire Department, and Richardsville Volunteer Fire Department and Rescue Squad worked for over three hours to control and prevent the fire from further spreading.
Farrell says damage to the structure was significant. Authorities could not provide the full extent of the damage but have asked the public to remain vigilant to the potential for light smoke to still emit from the structure.
Fire Chief Mike Cianci said, “The firefighters and medics on scene did a tremendous job under the circumstances due to the weather and the presence of the propane on scene. I would like to express our gratitude to the numerous departments that responded to assist us and to thank the passerby who immediately notified Orange County Emergency Communications. Finally, we appreciate the patience and understanding of residents, businesses, and motorists as we mitigated this situation in the safest manner.”
No reported injuries. Authorities remained on scene to ensure the structure did not reignite. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.
The Lake of the Woods Volunteer Fire & Rescue Company has responded to about 900 calls for service in 2022 and serves the various residents, commercial businesses, houses of worship and academic institutions located in the Locust Grove, Germanna and Wilderness areas of Eastern Orange County along Route 3 and Route 20.
Photos courtesy Lake of the Woods Fire and Rescue Company 29
