Monday Night Fire Being Investigated for Possible Arson

VICTORIA – Firefighters were called to the scene of a business in Victoria on Monday night (5-9-16) at approximately 9:30 pm. The Victoria Coin Laundry that is located at 1211 Main Street had flames shooting from the roof and right side of the structure.

Victoria Fire and Rescue along with the Kenbridge Fire Department responded to the scene and was able to save the building, although Victoria Fire and Rescue Chief Rodney Newton said that the building had suffered some damage.

Chief Newton stated, “First arriving units found heavy fire involvement in west end of the building.  The fire consumed a wooden trash bin on the end of the building and extended into the attic area of the building.  The fire was quickly knocked down by the first arriving firefighters which prevented further damage.  The damage was contained to the west end of the building with minimal damage to the equipment in the structure.”

Along with the fire departments, Victoria Police Department, Kenbridge Police Department, Lunenburg Sheriff’s Deputies and Virginia State Police officials helped block off the road and secure the area while the blaze was being subdued. One Victoria firefighter was injured at the scene and transported to the hospital and was released early Tuesday morning.

The scene was finally evacuated completely and secured around 2:30 am after police officials left the area. Victoria Police Chief Keith Phillips along with VPD officers and investigators from Virginia State Police were back at the scene on Tuesday morning as the fire is being investigated as a possible arson.

The area where the fire started was actually outside of the building in a trash shed that has no electrical in it leading to the suspicion that it may have been started. VSP arson investigators are working with the Victoria Police Department on the case.

If anyone has any information that could be helpful in this investigation, please call Crimesolvers at 434-696-3100.