In aftermath of marina fire, Urbanna heads into busy summer season

June 06--Three months after a deadly fire flattened Dozier's Port Urbanna marina, cleanup has ended, but the cause of the massive blaze remains a mystery.

Owners can now move forward with the decision of whether to rebuild the marina that has stood at the epicenter of the small maritime village since the 1930s. They plan to have a decision made later in the summer.

"It's just gone," said Ned Dozier, with Dozier Marine Group, the owners of the property. "It's still hard to believe sometimes."

Crews battle massive fire in Urbanna as 50 boats are destroyed pier side.

Crews battle massive fire in Urbanna as 50 boats are destroyed pier side.

Jack Dozier, Ned Dozier's father, purchased the marina in 1995 from the Hurley family, who took over Southside Marine in 1941. The waterfront site had been a railway and commercial dock since the 1800s, according to historical records.

"One of reasons my father bought the marina was because he used to spend his summers when he was younger there on his boat," Ned Dozier said. "It was almost as much sentimental as financial when he purchased the marina."

Dozier Marine Group also owns and operates the Regatta Point Marina in Deltaville, a larger marina with 130 boat slips.

Many of the boaters who occupied the 65 slips at Port Urbanna had done so for decades, Dozier said. Almost all of the slips were leased by the year.

There were 21 boats at the marina when the fire broke out around 4:30 a.m. Feb. 29. Two people died in the fire. It consumed piers, floating docks, a boathouse, storage facility and two cars in the parking lot.

"It was surreal. I think we were all in shock," Dozier said. "But I think everyone has come through this as well as can be expected."

The loss of life was the hardest part, Town Manager Holly Gailey said.

Dozier's Marina Fire in Urbanna, Va.where two are dead and over boats were burned.

Dozier's Marina Fire in Urbanna, Va.where two are dead and over boats were burned.

A husband and wife -- identified by police as Frances Xavier Blantz, 75, and Julia J. Blantz, 65, both of Urbanna -- were staying on their 50-foot yacht while renovations were being completed on a home the two had purchased in town, Gailey said. The two had lived in Urbanna for a little more than a year.

The cause of the fire is still unknown, according to Virginia State Police Sgt. Michelle Anaya. Crews have finished clearing debris from the creek and have completed the environmental portion of cleanup, Dozier said.

"It's been a step-by-step process and we're still investigating where we go from here," Ned Dozier said. "While it was one of the worst things we could have imagined happening, it could have been worse."

The slips weren't full, he said, and the fire didn't spread to homes or adjacent businesses.

Summer months bring increased boat traffic and more visitors, including guests at Bethpage Campground, to the waterside village of Urbanna in Middlesex County. The town has been known as a summer resort since the early 20th century, according to historical records.

"We are booming," Gailey said. "You see people walking in the streets all the time. It's great in the summer."

"Starting about this time of year the place really comes alive," Dozier said. "It's a vibrant, fun place to be from now through the Oyster Festival in November -- the end-of-season blow-out."

Visitors bring a summertime boost to the town economy as well.

"Urbanna is a real town," Dozier said. "There are few little towns you can tie up and walk around the street, eat or have a drink. There's no need for a car. You can walk up there and have everything you need."

A town-owned marina with about 37 boat slips is used mostly by transient boaters who are often daytime visitors to the town. Dozier's and its neighboring marina, Bridges, attract mostly annual leases.

"Because of that the economic impact will be greater for Dozier's than the town," Gailey said. "The loss of Dozier's won't drastically change the function of the town marina or Bridges."

"Our hearts went out to Dozier's," said Barbara Mullins, owner of Bridges Marina. "It was such a tragedy."

Bridges -- named for its location on Urbanna Creek, just below the bridge that enters the town -- is adjacent to Dozier's. About 130 slips are divided between two locations, one on each side of the creek.

Virginia State Police continue their investigation into a deadly fire at a Middlesex County marina.

On Wednesday, state police spokeswoman Corinne Geller sent out an update on the investigation, stating a close examination of the damaged boats will be done to determine what caused the fire.

"The...

Virginia State Police continue their investigation into a deadly fire at a Middlesex County marina.

On Wednesday, state police spokeswoman Corinne Geller sent out an update on the investigation, stating a close examination of the damaged boats will be done to determine what caused the fire.

"The...

Some boaters that previously rented a spot at Dozier's have purchased a slip for this season at Bridges, Mullins said.

Gailey said the town has been working on a campaign to attract visitors by both land and water.

"We want to raise awareness about this hidden gem," she said. "Make Urbanna more of a destination place for a day trip or weekend trip for anyone within an hour or so -- promoting museums, where to eat, where to stay."

The town also is considering eliminating its boat tax to attract more full-time boat owners. In addition, Bridges has installed fuel tanks for boaters at its marina.

"We understand we are a boating community, a port town -- if it would get people here and increase leases because they don't have to pay a boat tax, we're all for it," Gailey said. "Fuel on the creek will increase the flow of boaters in and out."

Crews were able to salvage some items including metal anchors, propellers and railings from some of the older boats housed at Dozier's. Those items were offered to owners who wanted them as keepsakes.

"It's been pretty amazing to watch everyone come together," Dozier said. "We're still working through some things but we've learned the value of good insurance and the value of our incredible volunteer firefighters. Their sacrifice and professional service is incredible. We're just glad now it is behind us. We can all move forward. Everybody's been through enough."

Hubbard can be reached by phone at 757-298-5834.

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