Fire & Rescue releases report on Saturday warehouse fire in Front Royal

On Tuesday afternoon, Warren County Emergency Services Chief Richard Mabie released the official report on the Saturday night, April 29 fire that destroyed a historic, old warehouse building off North Royal Avenue extended.  The building was owned by Fork District Supervisor Archie Fox, who lauded county fire and rescue at Tuesday morning’s Warren County Board of Supervisors meeting for their efforts to save the building.

Photo/Haley Morris

The massive stone building housed The Strong Oak Workshop, a woodworking and furniture business owned by Michael Schmiedicke.  Fox told us Sunday that the building was not insured; and a former employee on the scene Sunday afternoon reported that he did not believe Schmiedicke had insurance on the business either.  Royal Examiner has thus far been unable to reach Schmiedicke for confirmation or further detail on his losses.

Here is the county emergency services report on the fire:

“Warren County Fire and Rescue units were alerted for a commercial structure fire at 10:21 pm Saturday night at 1868 North Royal Avenue in town.  First units arrived four minutes later to find a two-story stone commercial wood and metal working facility 100 x 30 with heavy fire showing from the second floor on the front and rear.  Fire quickly took control of the second floor and burned through the roof.  The fire soon spread to an adjoining wood storage building 75 x 30.  Both structures were totally destroyed.  Firefighting efforts did protect and save an auto repair shop to the east and one (residential structure) to the north.  After arrival and quick assessment, rapid calls for additional resources came, as well as calls to fill county stations responding to the call.

Sunday afternoon aftermath of the blaze. Photos/Roger Bianchini

“The first call came from an occupant inside of the building working, stating there was a chemical fire on the floor of the structure.  He then evacuated the building.”

The report then notes that that information was received that “there was a family of 3 allegedly living in the building,” adding, “all escaped without injury.”

“The cause of this fire is under investigation by the Warren County Fire Marshal’s office with assistance from the Town Police Department, the County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms.  Their investigation is into day two.  While we are still working on the loss estimate from this fire, damage and loss is believed to be in the hundreds of thousands of dollars.

“While all Warren County stations were called to this fire, several out of county stations were utilized at the fire and to fill empty stations (see list below).  The Red Cross was called to offer housing and clothing assistance to the occupants living in the building.  Many citizens/groups brought refreshments and water to the scene for firefighters, and we are thankful for that.

“Firefighters have had to deal with many hot spots from the still smoldering debris from their operation. Our Emergency Communications Center received the first call at 10:20 PM.  Units were dispatched at 10:21 and first unit arrived at 10:24. Additional releases as conditions warrant.

First Alarm – Engine Cos. 1, 2, 5, Truck 10, Ambulance 6, Chief 100 @ 10:21 PM;

On Scene – Engine 1 @ 10:24 PM. – Heavy fire;

Second Alarm – Engine Cos. 4, 9, 8, 3 – 10:26 P.M.;

Third Alarm – Strasburg 51, Frederick Engine 11 and Tower 11 – 10:46 P.M.;

Under Control – 1:02 AM.

Frederick Medic 12, filled Station 1

Frederick Engine 11 and Tower 11 cleared fire scene and filled Station 1

Fauquier filling Station 4