Fire causes major damage to Haunted Monster Museum in Virginia

(NATURAL BRIDGE, VA) A fire caused major damage to the "haunted Monster Museum" in Natural Bridge on Monday evening.

Rockbridge County fire investigators say the fire was first called in around 5:45 p.m.  When fire crews arrived, they found heavy flames and smoke coming from the building, which is surrounded by woods at the Natural Bridge complex.

Natural Bridge fire crews called for help, and firefighters from Lexington, Effinger, Glasgow, and Buchanan sent crews.

Once firefighters were able to move their tanker trucks closer to the building, they were able to get the flames under control quickly.  However, the fire spread to the woods around the museum, and the Virginia Department of Forestry says five acres were scorched.

"The guys have done a great job of not only getting this fire under control, but making sure everybody is safe," said Robert Foresman, Rockbridge County Emergency Services Coordinator.

The Fire Marshal's Office is still investigating a cause.  An estimated dollar amount for damage was not available Monday night, but fire crews described the damage as "heavy."

The museum was run by local artist Mark Cline, who lost another museum, the enchanted castle, to fire in April of 2001.

via newsadvance.com