So sad to hear longtime hot rodder and racer Fred Stoke from Santa Rosa, Ca had a fire of undetermined origin burn down one of his shop building. Fred lost 14 vintage cars. Fred is a real nice person who we have know for years and our heart goes out to him as we know how much his cars and collectables mean to him. Hope the attached link to the Santa Rosa Press Democrat (5/1/16) works. http://www.pressdemocrat.com/news/5563873-181/blaze-destroys-14-vintage-vehicles?ref=most&artslide=0
That must have been a great place to see, glad nobody got hurt, hope things can be rebuilt or replaced. Bob
Never had a shop fire but did have a fire in our office building in 2001. Total loss. Building, equipment, records, family artifacts, memories - all lost. Changes your life and breaks your heart. Don't know Mr. Stoke but best of luck to him and his family...
very sad. i upgraded my simply safe alarm system with a smoke detector. if there is a entry or fire the police or fire department is automatically called. both situations are a big concern of mine. for 20 dollars a month it could save precious minutes. they almost pay for themselves with the discount on the insurance.
Really a shame. His shop is about a mile from me so went by this morning. Red barn looked ok, but probably some damage due to heat/water. Such a tragedy
Wow - one of those iconic places that you always figured would remain the same. have before pics but, can not find them right now. anyone else have before pics to post?
This photo is from my brother firemen that were there. It was very very windy that night and they worked hard to save what they could. Fred is a nice guy and many have gone to the car show he hosts each year, and many car cruises stop by there for photos with the old gas station. Here is a link to the news article. http://www.pressdemocrat.com/news/5563873-181/blaze-destroys-14-vintage-vehicles?artslide=0
I've been out of town for a week and was truly saddened to read this post! 'Fred's All American Old Car Day' is an iconic annual event that is a joy to attend and his ranch is really neat to see while traveling down Old Redwood Hwy. I believe the car show is scheduled for next week and knowing Fred, it'll probably still go on! Here's a couple of pics that I snapped in 2014.
I think we have gone every year I can remember. Here are some pics of his place, what was there before the fire, and example of how much joy his shows brought to gear heads and families like mine...