Van Wingerden Fire Investigation Continues

By Greenhouse Grower staff|August 18, 2008

Authorities in Henderson County, N.C., are still investigating the fire at Van Wingerden International last week and have not revealed a cause just yet. The Henderson County Sheriff’s Office has, however, joined the Henderson County Fire Department investigation, and both parties seem to be convinced the fire was no accident.

“We have ascertained that it was most likely not naturally occurring, but beyond that we cannot say at this time,” Henderson County Sheriff’s Capt. Charlie McDonald told The Times-News early last week. “There is still a great deal of investigation to take place, and saying anything further would be speculative at best on our part.

“There is some interesting information that has come forward,” McDonald continued, declining to elaborate.

Van Wingerden owner Bert Lemkes, meanwhile, met with an insurance investigator. The company was insured for the loss, Lemkes says, but Van Wingerden will ultimately still lose some money–even after a payout is determined.

For last week’s coverage of the Van Wingerden fire,.