Coastal Point | Fire, smoke, destroy Greene Wordworks

Fire, smoke destroy Greene Woodworks

By Darin J. McCann
Point Editor



	Coastal Point • DARIN J. MCCANN Firefighters go to work on a fire at Greene Woodworks on Thursday, May 4.

Firefighters from 12 different companies rushed to quickly put out a fire on Substation Road last Thursday, May 4, but the damage was already done for one local business.

“Fifteen years of my life … all gone in about an hour,” said Bud Greene, owner of Greene Woodworks, along with his wife, Sandy.

According to Greene, his teenage son was working alone in the front office when a neighbor knocked on the door and alerted him that a fire had broken out in the back. Also in the shop were two dogs owned by the Greenes — one made it out, but the other died of smoke inhalation, according to Greene.

“I guess everything happens for a reason,” said Greene. “I just thank God that my son wasn’t hurt. I’m truly thankful for that.”

Bob Powell of the Millville Volunteer Fire Company said that 115 fire personnel responded to the fire, and eight tankers to contribute a steady water supply were brought in to fight the blaze. A “rehab area” was set up along the road so firefighters could rehydrate and have their vitals taken, as firefighters went through air bottles. Three firefighters were injured during the fire, according to Powell, but none seriously.

According to the Delaware State Fire Marshal’s Office, the 120-by-30-foot shop and wood storage building suffered “severe fire damage,” and the 32-by-50-foot office and showroom was damaged by smoke. Damages were estimated at approximately $500,000.

“I’ll be fine,” said Greene, who added that he was “80 percent sure” the shop would be built back up again.

However, insurance doesn’t always cover all expenses.

To offset some of the costs incurred by the Greenes, Rodney Short is setting up an account at Mercantile Peninsula Bank, called Rodney Short for Benefit of Greene’s Woodworking. Those interested in contributing should send checks to: Greene’s Woodworking Benefit, PO Box 360, Bethany Beach, DE 19930.