In the days after the devastating fire in downtown Williamsburg, those businesses affected have taken to social media to offer clients and customers an update on their status. Those businesses include…
• Croley and Foley Law Office: “As you may have heard, our Williamsburg office was in a devastating fire last night,” a Wednesday post read. “We are working today with officials and doing our best to stay operational to make sure that we still meet the needs of our clients.”
The law office then highlighted a few important points, including, “Williamsburg phones are being forwarded to our other offices so that you can still reach someone if you need us,” “Our files are kept electronically, as well as hard copies, so your documents are safe,” and “Our attorneys and paralegals will continue to work on your case(s) from our other offices in Corbin, London and Lexington.”
“We are most thankful that all of our humans are safe, but we mourn the loss of one of our little dogs, which as you know, was in our family,” the post said, adding, “Please keep us in your prayers as we move through this challenge.”
Later that day, the law office posted another update, which said, “We want to extend our deepest gratitude to all firefighters, law enforcement and emergency personnel who responded to the devastation last night. Each one of you selflessly served during the tragic fire. Your courage, professionalism, and dedication in the face of heartbreak do not go unnoticed. We are thankful for your commitment to protecting and supporting our community, especially in moments of profound loss. Our thoughts are with everyone affected, and we are forever grateful for those who answered the call when it mattered most.”
The law office encouraged clients to be on the lookout for plans on re-opening at a temporary location at some point in the near future.
• Associates in Eye Care: “Last night, our office in Williamsburg was impacted by a fire,” a Wednesday post read. “Our hearts are with everyone affected by this event. We are grateful for the first responders who worked through the night, and for the support and kindness already shown by our community. We are leaning on faith, prayer, and one another as we take the next steps forward. Thank you for your patience, prayers, and continued support. We will share updates as we are able [on Facebook].”
• Ngoc Kitchen: “With heavy hearts, we want to share that due to a miscommunication, our insurance policy was not underwritten, and we were not covered at the time of the fire,” the business announced unfortunately. “At the same time, I need to undergo another surgery on my leg. Everything has happened so quickly and unexpectedly. At this moment, we are not sure if we will be able to reopen. While our hearts are broken, we are incredibly grateful that everyone is safe.”
In another post the following day, the restaurant urged the community to assist in fundraising efforts, saying, “PLEASE help us so that we can start again. This restaurant is not just a business – it is our dream, our livelihood, and our family’s future. After the fire, and without insurance, we are facing an impossible situation. We are doing everything we can to keep our dream alive, and we humbly ask for your help so it does not disappear. We need the community’s help.”
Those interested in helping can find more information on gofund.me at https://gofund.me/2be9c1be0 or donate through cashapp at https://cash.app/$NgocKitchen.
• 1818 Law: The 1818 Law Office announced a temporary office closure, posting, “Dear Clients, Colleagues, and Friends, Our office has been temporarily closed following the devastating fire in downtown Williamsburg, We are deeply grateful to all of the local fire departments, police, and other first responders for their heroic efforts and long night of work protecting our community and these historic buildings. Your bravery and dedication made a tremendous difference in stopping the fires.”
The post went on to explain that, while the business did not sustain any direct fire damage, significant water and smoke damage were both evident, adding, “Fortunately, our team received advance notice and was able to safely remove original client documents from the premises. Other files were either relocated or are securely stored electronically, so client records remain protected and accessible.”
“Our phone system is fully operational, and our team continues to work remotely to serve you,” the post continued. “The physical office will be unusable for the foreseeable future while we assess and begin restoration. If you have an upcoming meeting or appointment scheduled at our downtown location, a member of our team will reach out to you shortly to reschedule and arrange an alternate location”.
“We appreciate your patience and understanding during this challenging time. We would also ask that you keep our business and all of the other impacted businesses and families in your prayers. These are our close friends and colleagues who will all need the community’s support in the coming months.”
In a follow-up post the following day, 1818 Law owner Ryan Lawson informed the community that the office has a temporary space set up for normal business hours and anyone needing to contact them can give them a call at (833) 844-1818 or e-mail office@1818lawfirm.com.
• The Hunt and the Harvest: While the restaurant was able to avoid any damage from the fire, owners made a post encouraging the community to help support one of its employees. “Meet Brenda Rowe, the Jan. 22 post read. “She is a victim from the Main Street fire. Brenda was one of our first servers. She is beloved by H&H and the Main Street community. She lost her apartment in the fire and only had time to get her pets out safely. She lost all her clothes, cleaning supplies, and personal belongings. She’s currently looking for a place to rent and can use our support. If you can help Brenda in any way it would be greatly appreciated by all who love her.”
The post included a Venmo address of @browe3650114.
Co-owner Adam Howard posted on Jan. 23 to announce that the restaurant had been approved to re-open on Tuesday. He also announced that a first responders dinner is being planned for all agencies involved, and that everyone affected by fire would be invited to “come and meet these heroes.”
A date for the event is still to be announced. Howard said details would be provided on the restaurant’s Facebook page soon.
• Williamsburg Furniture: “This message is for our loyal customers, friends and family. The fire in downtown Williamsburg has not directly impacted the business, however, we anticipate there is some smoke and water damage. We will not be open until power is restored and downtown streets are open. We will assess the extent of the damage as soon as possible. Our heartfelt sympathies go out to those that have experienced such a tragic loss. We appreciate the first responders who have fought the fire diligently through the night! Updated announcements will be made as soon as we have received news on the power.”
• Others: Hollywood Video seems to have avoided any major damage, while the Kim Frost Law Office and Donna Guilkey Accounting was unfortunately completely destroyed. The Shale Oak Wine Tasting room was also destroyed, but it has been closed since early January.
