Fire Marshal cites cause of North Fork Resort blaze

FRONT ROYAL — Fire swept through a large activity center early Tuesday Morning at North Fork Resort off of Strasburg Road in western Warren County. Warren County Fire and Rescue Chief Richard Mabie said units responded to a 6:26 a.m. call and first responders were on the scene at 615 Homestead Drive, less than 10 minutes later.  He said fire was observed throughout the building as well as coming through the roof of the 200-foot by 75-foot activity center.

Chief Mabie said the first officer deemed the fire a defensive attack due to the unsafe condition of the building, and firefighters attacked the fire from safe locations.

While the building was a total loss, Mabie said in a written statement that firefighters were able to keep the blaze from spreading to the nearby pool-house and storage building, which housed swimming pool chemicals.

Photo by Roger Bianchini.

Chief Mabie said every station in Warren County was dispatched and responded to the scene. Additional units from Strasburg Fire and Rescue Squad responded to the scene as well. He said the blaze was brought under control around 8:30 a.m. though units remained on scene until around 3 p.m. Tuesday.

There were no occupants in the building at the time of the fire and there were no injuries, according to the written statement.

Fire Marshal determines blaze origin

The fire was investigated by Warren County Fire Marshal Gerry Maiatico’s office, assisted by the Warren County Sheriff’s Office. The cause of the blaze was determined to be an overloaded electrical outlet in the kitchen, in conjunction with a space heater. The damage was estimated at $300,000.

Resort manager John Barnes said the building was last used Saturday for bingo games.  The building also was regularly used to hold owners’ meetings and events.  It also housed a small café and game room.