Arrest made for Monday evening arson fire

Warren County, VA – On Monday, October 21, 2019, at approximately 3:00 pm, Warren County Fire and Rescue Services responded to 8561 Winchester Road for a reported residential structure fire.

Units arrived on the scene and found a single story, single family dwelling with significant fire conditions throughout the first floor and attic system of the home. A second alarm was requested, bringing two additional engines from in the county and two additional mutual-aid engines from Middletown and Stephens City. As a result of the incident, crews were assisted by Warren County Sheriff Deputies and the Virginia Department of Transportation with the closure of northbound 522/340, Winchester Road. The road remained closed for approximately 1 hour throughout the incident. It took firefighters approximately 50 minutes to bring the fire under control. There were no reported injuries.

The fire caused an estimated $200,000 in damages and contents loss and displaced the occupants from the home. The occupants have received assistance from the American Red Cross.

The cause of the fire was investigated by the Warren County Fire Marshal’s Office. Fire Investigators determined the fire was caused by an act of arson. Fire Investigators were joined by the Warren County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division in a joint investigation. The investigation received assistance from the Town of Front Royal Police Department Criminal Investigations Division and the Loudoun County Fire Marshal’s Office Canine Division.

As a result of the investigation, Ms. Shenisa Mohammed, (21 years of age) who was identified as an occupant of the home, has been charged in connection with the fire incident. Ms. Mohammed has been charged with a single felony count of § 18.2-77; Burning or destroying dwelling house and is being held without bond at the Rappahannock, Shenandoah, Warren Regional Jail.

Shenisa Mohammed. Photo courtesy of RSW Jail.

Anyone with additional information regarding this incident is asked to contact Fire Marshal Gerry Maiatico at 540-636-3830 or Sergeant Daniel Maxfield with the Sheriff’s Office at 540-635-7100 or 540-635-4128.