Community Devastated After Fire Destroys Landmark

Photo byRockingham County Department of Fire & Rescue

DAYTON, Va. – A devastating fire completely destroyed one business and significantly damaged another early Wednesday.

According to a written statement posted by the Rockingham County Department of Fire & Rescue, the incident occurred August 7, 2024.

Just before 3 a.m., fire crews were dispatched to the Dayton Mini-Market and nearby Dayton Tavern.

Considered a historic landmark by locals, the mini-market building also included apartments that housed seven people. According to the Dayton Police Department, everyone was safely evacuated from the buildings and no injuries were reported.

The Dayton Tavern sustained significant smoke and water damage. The Dayton Mini-Market is considered a total loss. As residents of the town grappled with the tragedy, multiple social media posts indicated ongoing donation efforts and future fundraising plans for the fire's victims.

Dayton Mini-Market and Dayton Tavern, 2023Photo byT. Leicher - Google map image

Fire crews from Bridgewater, Clover Hill, Grottoes, St41, St10, Singers Glen, McGaheysville, Weyers Cave, Harrisonburg Fire, Harrisonburg Rescue, Bridgewater Rescue and the Shenandoah Valley Airport responded to the incident.

One comment on the DPD Facebook page from a T.T. Steelman read:

Lots of memories in that store, from my childhood to today.

Living right behind the store and watching the store owners run to their store to make sure their renters were out was sad and inspiring at the same time.

The first responders were amazing at what they did! They were like a machine working together, running hoses,connecting hoses.

I have never been that close to a real fire but to listen to the windows blowing out and the crackling and the heat from it was nothing like I have ever seen and never hope to see again, and there again the first responders were right on top of it from the moment they arrived.

Photo byRockingham County Department of Fire & Rescue

Portions of Main Street and College Street were closed for hours as crews battled flames and monitored the fire's aftermath.

Dayton is a town in Rockingham County and is included in the Harrisonburg, Virginia Metropolitan Statistical Area. As of the 2022 census, Dayton’s population was 1,717. Online fundraisers indicate a community coming together to assist victims of the fire.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.