The Danville Fire Department responded to a reported structure fire at 1030 Piney Forest Road – the Astoria Hotel North this morning at 6:25 am. Crews arrived at 6:30 am and found a large two story hotel with nothing showing. Engine 2’s crew (from Piney Forest Road Fire Station) investigated the scene and found light smoke coming from room 22 on the first floor. A hand line was pulled and they made entry into the room to find a mattress on fire and fire in the bath tub. The fire was quickly knocked down and determined to be under control at 6:43 am. Ventilation was established to remove smoke from the room.
The room was occupied but no one was in the room at the time of the fire. The room sustained moderate smoke and heat damage. The fire was contained to 1 room with no extension to the other rooms of the hotel. The occupant was treated by the Danville Life Saving Crew on scene and transported to SOVAH hospital emergency room.
The Danville Fire Department responded with three engines, a ladder truck, two command units, a safety officer and a Fire Marshal. Sixteen fire personnel were on the scene for 1 hour and 26 minutes. The Danville Life Saving Crew, Danville Electric Department, Danville Water and Gas Department and Danville Police Department assisted on scene.
The cause of the fire was investigated by the Fire Marshal’s office and determined to be incendiary. Qwalon Montez Watlington has been charged with arson and is in custody.
Chris Key
Battalion Chief