UPDATE: Fire Destroys Wintergreen Condos

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Updated: 10:08 AM Feb 21, 2012 UPDATE: Fire Destroys Wintergreen Condos A fire early Monday morning damaged multiple units at the Laurelwood Condos at Wintergreen Resort. The cause of the fire remains under investigation. Posted: 8:41 AM Feb 20, 2012 Reporter: Rachel Ryan Email Address: rachel.ryan@newsplex.com

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February 20, 2012

An early morning fire severely damaged multiple units at the Laurelwood Condos at Wintergreen Resort.

Firefighters from the Wintergreen Fire Department were called to the condos shortly before 8 a.m. Monday. CBS19's media partner Nelson County Life reports the units are near The Market, a short drive from the main building of the ski resort.

"The chimney stacks were engulfed in flames, so I immediately went back in the house and said, 'we gotta go'. We grabbed our stuff and our dogs just as the black smoke started billowing into the condo," said condo owner Eric Stamer.

No one was hurt, but a member of the homeowner's association estimates half of the eight units suffered $200,000 worth of damage.

"When they started getting the axes and the sledgehammers out I knew it wasn't going to be good," said Stamer.

It took crews almost three hours to put out the flames, as the weather made fighting the fire a tough job.

"The temperature has been the hardest part to deal with. All of our water lines freezing up and some of our air packs freezing just made it more of a challenge," said Mike Riddle with Wintergreen Fire and Rescue.

The cause of the fire has not been determined, however investigators say it may have started from sparks from a fire place.

Latest Comments

Posted by: Chuck on Feb 21, 2012 at 11:36 AM

Do you happen to work for the media? Because it sure sounds like you're just trying to dig up dirt when there is none. Condos can be repaired and as attested by at least three of the eight condo owners, it sure sounds like the Fire Department showed up not long after WHEN THEY WERE CONTACTED. Maybe if you think you can do a better job you should volunteer to be fighting fires in freezing weather during the wee hours of the morning! And no, I have no affiliation with the Wintergreen FD or any FD. They are doing a job I wouldn't do for all the money in the world. Thank you Chief for addressing this bogus issue and lots of Kudos to you and your guys!!

Posted by: Andrew on Feb 21, 2012 at 04:06 AM

I love to see a fire chief who will openly defend his men and his department; even if it is on the internet!

Posted by: Neighbor on Feb 20, 2012 at 11:35 PM

Wintergreen Fire Dept. is a professional unit. They were called to assist other depts. when our home caught fire & they did a fantastic job so please don't critisize what you don't know.

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