On October 26, 2009 at 11:30 a.m. Virginia Beach Fire Investigators charged Mr. Joshua Hutchins, 22 years old, of Horace Ave., Virginia Beach with arson, “Burning or Destroying a Dwelling.”  Mr. Hutchins is currently being held in the Virginia Beach Correctional Facility and has been denied bond. 

Virginia Beach Fire Investigators followed several leads and analyzed video footage from the business’s security camera that revealed images of the arson in progress. This video contributed greatly in aiding with the capture of Mr. Hutchins.  Additional arrests may be pending as the investigation remains open.   Arson is a felony in the State of Virginia.

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                                       Suspicious 2 Alarm Fire Damages Seven Self Storage Units

The Virginia Beach Fire Department responded to a commercial fire at 4656 Honeygrove Road, the AAAA Self Storage.  Virginia Beach Fire Engine 2 arrived within five minutes from being dispatched.  Upon arrival, fire crews experienced a large amount smoke coming from several storage units.  As firefighters forced entry into thestorage units, they encountered five storage units burning and the fire was rapidly spreading.  The Battalion Chief requested a second alarm at 5:06 a.m. due to the volume of free burning fire.  The fire was brought under control in 45 minutes at 5:40 a.m. Four storage units experienced heavy fire damage, all contents were lost, and three additional storage units experienced moderate fire damage.  Some contents may be salvageable. 

Virginia Beach Fire Investigators have determined that the cause of this fire is suspicious in nature.  Fire Investigators are asking that anyone passing by who may have witnessed this fire prior to the arrival of the Fire Department contact Fire Investigator Newton at (757) 385-4228 or Crime Line at 1-888-LOCK-U-UP (1-888-562-5887).  Callers do not need to give their name and could be eligible for a $1,000 cash reward if their information leads to an arrest.

Citizens who may have concerns about the safety of their content can call AAAA Self Storage at (757) 460-3595. No injuries were reported on this fire. VBFD responded seven engines, three ladders, two heavy rescue squads, and three Chief Officers to combat this fire.  Virginia Beach received mutual aid from the Chesapeake Fire Department to backfill one empty fire station during this incident.

For more information, please contact Battalion Chief Tim Riley at (757) 385-1075 or e-mail at triley@vbgov.com. 

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316fire update 1

A photo is attached under related documents.