The Danville Fire Department responded to a structure fire this morning (12/29/20) at 3:14am at 119 Robertson Avenue. Apparatus arrived to find a one-story building with fire showing at the front door. An attack line was pulled and the fire was knocked down quickly. The fire was located on the exterior of the structure and had not yet burned through the wooden front door. Fire had extended on and under the wood siding. Entry was made into the building to confirm no fire reached the interior. Light smoke was inside on the first floor and basement. Firefighters cut through the siding to extinguish the remaining fire.
The building was a house that had been converted into offices for Averett University. The DFD Fire Marshal's Office responded and investigated the cause. The fire was intentionally set. DFD apparatus remained on scene for approximately 90 minutes. Three engines (Industrial Ave., West Main St., Westover Dr.), one ladder truck (Lynn St.), one safety officer, one fire marshal, and one battalion chief responded. There were a total of 16 DFD personnel on scene. We were assisted by Danville Utilities, Danville Life Saving Crew, Danville Police, and Averett University Security & maintenance personnel.
Brian K. Alderson - Battalion Chief