Station 3 on Fort Avenue was supposed to be completed by late December, but supply chain issues and COVID-19 delayed construction.

Lynchburg Fire Chief Greg Wormser says the fire that engulfed the Cottage Stillroom and Candle Factory was accidental, but the investigation into what caused Friday’s inferno it is ongoing.

Lynchburg Police say they’ve notified the families but are not releasing the names because there is still an ongoing investigation. They are not pursuing criminal charges.

Wormser’s comments come after Tuesday’s city council meeting, where members of the Lynchburg Firefighters Association claimed they're facing issues including low morale and mandatory overtime.