SMITHFIELD, Va. (WAVY) — They lost everything.
A family-run boat repair business was one of many destroyed in a warehouse fire in Isle of Wight County last Thursday.
It's a day that will forever be burned into David Stewart's mind. He remembers seeing flames rising in front of the warehouse shortly after the fire broke out, and immediately running to the other side to rescue his father from Stuart's Marines. I could see the wall on fire from the other side.
“The red circle lit up and all of a sudden that circle was the whole wall,” Stuart told 10 On Your Side. “[It] The bathroom and office glowed red and everything instantly burst into flames due to the heat. ”
His father, David Stewart Sr., immediately called 911.
“I don't think they had any idea what they were getting into when they got here,” Stuart Sr. said.
The fire raged and destroyed almost everything. The tools and equipment that did not melt came out rusted and in ruins. Much of the equipment was brand new. Large beams inside the warehouse were seen partially melted and warped, showing how hot it was inside the warehouse.
One of the boats, which Stuart spent about a year undergoing a thorough restoration, is now a mangled mess beyond recognition. It took him one more day to complete the boat.
“Everything is done. All the wiring, plumbing, everything in there has been redone,” Stuart said.
The timing couldn't have been worse. David Stewart Sr. is battling cancer. They hope to rebuild their business, but mounting medical bills and more than $1 million in damages will make it difficult to restart. The business is not insured. Previously, I was told that insurance would not cover it.
Fire officials said the fire was ruled an accident. They are still investigating how it started.
“Yeah, it brings back all the memories of my time here,” Stuart said, looking at the destroyed warehouse. “We've been working here for years. Everything we've earned and worked hard for is gone. There's nothing left.”
want to help?
David Stewart has set up a GoFundMe for businesses to help them rebuild through difficult times. Click the link for help.
