Commercial fire near Train Depot in Culpeper extinguished; building destroyed

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(Photo: Marykate Moody)

CULPEPER, Va. - First responders extinguished a major commercial fire near the Train Depot in Culpeper after a blaze tore through a building early Saturday morning, officials said.

What we know:

Culpeper County Volunteer Fire & Rescue units were dispatched at 6:22 a.m. to a commercial structure fire in the Depot area, according to emergency officials.

Firefighters from multiple Culpeper County agencies and surrounding jurisdictions responded, including Brandy Station Volunteer Fire Department, Salem Volunteer Fire Department, Rapidan Volunteer Fire Department and others.

Mutual aid was also provided by neighboring departments, including Orange, Warrenton, Remington and the Fauquier County Fire Rescue System, with additional support from Amtrak and Norfolk Southern.

Officials said crews brought the fire under control after an extended operation involving multiple units. The Bridge Community Church canteen unit also responded to assist firefighters on scene.

Zandra’s Taqueria, which operated in the building, confirmed the restaurant suffered catastrophic damage and said the structure is a total loss. The business said no one was injured in the fire.

The company also said it is working to support employees as they navigate the loss of the restaurant, which had been open in Culpeper for two years.

Restaurant management additionally launched a GoFundMe to support its staff, which has so far raised over $13,000.

What we don't know:

Officials have not released a cause of the fire.

The exact extent of structural damage and whether nearby buildings were affected has not yet been fully detailed.

What's next:

Fire officials are expected to continue investigating the origin and cause of the blaze.