The Shore Daily News reported that our local broadcasting gem, WESR lost its transmitter due to fire.
ACCOMACK COUNTY, Va. — A fire early Tuesday morning destroyed the transmitter house for WESR radio, temporarily taking the longtime Eastern Shore station off the air.
According to reports, the fire was discovered by a nearby neighbor, who called 911 at approximately 2:20 a.m. Multiple volunteer fire departments responded to the scene, including Tasley, Wachapreague, Onancock, Bloxom, Parksley, and Painter, along with the Accomack County Department of Emergency Services.
The blaze resulted in the loss of both the station’s main and auxiliary transmitters, interrupting broadcasts for WESR 103.3 FM.
WESR owner Charlie Russell said the station is already working to restore service.
“We regret the interruption of service. We are fully insured and are working to get back on the air as soon as possible,” Russell said. “We hope to resume streaming online over the next day or two. We plan to maintain our ShoreDailyNews.com website in the meantime and have contacted vendors regarding a temporary mobile transmitter building and an emergency transmitter.”
Russell emphasized the station’s long history serving the region.
“We are working hard to get 103.3 back on the air, and we appreciate your understanding and patience. WESR has served the Eastern Shore since 1958, and we plan to continue that service as soon as we possibly can,” he said, noting that a fire inspector remains on site.
Russell also thanked first responders who answered the early morning call.
“We want to thank the volunteer fire responders who got out of bed and rushed to respond to the fire call. They did everything they could and we appreciate their response to our emergency. We are blessed to be served by the many dedicated volunteers and we appreciate the services they provide for all of us.”
No injuries were reported. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
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