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Fairfax County officials are seeking the public’s help after a fire caused more than $1 million in damage and destroyed equipment used by Virginia Task Force 1 at its Lorton training facility.
The fire was reported around 5 p.m. Saturday at the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department’s Urban Search and Rescue Training Facility on Furnace Road. Crews arrived to find a storage building engulfed in flames.
No injuries were reported. A semitractor-trailer, a Kubota tractor and other equipment used to move materials during training exercises were destroyed.
Surveillance footage showed six people walking around the property before the fire began. Officials do not know how they entered the facility and want to speak with them as investigators examine every possible cause.
Fire and police officials said it is too early to determine whether the blaze was intentionally set or whether anyone had a motive. Additional police patrols will be assigned around the property while the investigation continues.
The 48-acre facility serves Virginia Task Force 1, a specialized unit that responds to disaster search-and-rescue missions. The team is currently assisting recovery efforts in Venezuela following the June 24 earthquakes.
Battalion Chief Robert Schoenberger described the loss as a major blow to the county’s special operations capabilities.
“I’m hoping that we can figure out what happened here and be able to replace what we have, because this is what’s the bread and butter of Fairfax County Urban Search and Rescue,” Schoenberger said at a Monday news conference.
He said replacing and repairing the damaged equipment will take significant time.
“This is a heavy heartbreak for me,” Schoenberger said. “These tools are what’s used on a daily basis for our special ops here in Fairfax County.”
Anyone with information about the fire or the six people captured on surveillance video can call Crime Solvers at 866-411-8477 or contact Fairfax Crime Solvers online.