Annapolis Yacht Club Vows To Rebuild After Massive Blaze
ANNAPOLIS, Md. (WJZ)--A landmark in the city of Annapolis is gutted by a massive fire.
Owners of the Annapolis Yacht Club are now vowing to rebuild after flames devastated the building yesterday. The fire broke out just hours before the city's annual Parade of Lights was set to take place.
WJZ's Meghan McCorkell has the latest.
Nearly 100 firefighters battled flames for hours inside the Annapolis Yacht Club.
Sunday-- with the fire out, the damage is devastating.
Governor Hogan got a tour of the wreckage Sunday from high above on a fire ladder.
"It's an incredible part of Annapolis and you know it's just unfathomable the loss that we have here," said Governor Larry Hogan.
The club was closed Saturday afternoon as staff prepared for 600 guests to arrive for the annual Parade of Lights.
Everyone made it out of the building, but investigators are still trying to determine what sparked the three-alarm fire.
"You have to find out where the most burned area is so you can find out what caused the fire at that point," said Capt. Janet Wiseman.
The building-- built back in the 1960's--- was not equipped with sprinklers.
Fire officials saying nothing on the second and third floor is salvageable.
"The entire floor, the ceiling, all the walls were just covered in black and burned out," said Annapolis Mayor Mike Pantelides.
The club now working to relocate its 150 employees.
"We're certainly taking care of them throughout the holiday season and we are putting a plan in place for relocation in the interim," said Debbie Gosselin, Annapolis Yacht Club.
Leaders of the 130-year old club say they are thankful no one was killed and they're looking towards the future.
"It's a building. And the Annapolis Yacht Club and the City of Annapolis is more than bricks and mortar, it's a community and we'll rebuild," Rod Jabin said.
The amount of damage is still under investigation.
An emergency meeting will be held Monday night to see how city officials can assist the club.
