Cherrydale Avenue fire hits multiple homes, displaces six families

On Thursday, August 5, 2021, at approximately 5:00 pm, the Warren County Department of Fire and Rescue Services were dispatched for a reported residential structure fire located in the 300 block of Cherrydale Avenue in Front Royal.

Photos / Warren County Fire and Rescue

Firefighters arrived on the scene to find a six-unit, row house/apartment structure with significant fire conditions in a middle unit. Fire was noted to be rapidly spreading to adjoining units and into the roof system of the buildings. Firefighters and Law Enforcement Officers were able to confirm that the occupants of all units were able to safely evacuate the structure prior to their arrival. Firefighters initiated an aggressive fire suppression effort but were challenged by significant fire conditions and spreading various concealed spaces throughout the attic. After approximately 45 minutes into the incident, firefighters were forced to evacuate the structure due to structural stability concerns and fear of collapse. Firefighters moved to a defensive/exterior operation for fire suppression efforts.

The cause of the fire is being investigated by the Warren County Fire Marshal’s Office. The fire caused all six-units to be rendered uninhabitable. Six families consisting of nine adults and three children were noted to be living in various units at the time of the fire. Two families have received assistance from the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Program, all other families received assistance from friends and family.

One firefighter received minor burns on the incident. The firefighter was treated and transported to the local hospital center and later released and returned to work. Due to the limited resources remaining on the County, Station Fills were requested from surrounding localities.

Fire Chief James Bonzano stated “this unfortunate fire incident should serve as a reminder that disaster can strike anytime, anywhere. Our community must protect your home and family with proper fire safety devices and procedures. This should include a working smoke alarm and a home fire escape plan.”

Anyone with information with regards to this fire incident is asked to contact Fire Marshal Gerry R. Maiatico at gmaiatico@warrencountyfire.com or call 540-636-3830.

For more information on how to protect your home and family from the dangers of fire or learn how to receive a free smoke alarm, visit www.warrencountyfire.com.

Units on the Call Station Fills:

• Truck 1 Warren County Engine 4
• Rescue Engine 10 Fauquier County Engine 1105
• Rescue Engine 8 Clarke County Medic 1
• Rescue Engine 9
• Rescue Engine 3
• Rescue Squad 1
• Medic 2
• Ambulance 10
• Ambulance 1-2
• Chief 100
• FM-1
• FM-3
• FM-4
• EM-2
• EM-1