Fire crews battle blaze at Airway Shopping Center in Riverside

A massive fire hit a popular Riverside shopping plaza that is home to several businesses Sunday morning.

Even shops far from the blaze at the Airway Shopping Center on Airway Road were impacted by the fire as electricity for the plaza had to be cut for several hours while crews tried to put down the blaze.

Police arrived at the Dollar General on Airway Road shortly after 5 a.m. Sunday on a report of a burglar alarm. Within minutes, response crews representing Riverside, Beavercreek, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base and the city of Dayton were all on scene.

Crews said the fire caused significant damage to the Dollar General and other nearby businesses.

Riverside Fire Chief Mark Miller said responses such as Sunday morning’s demonstrate the importance of collaboration between local agencies.

“Whoever’s calling 911 doesn’t care who shows up,” said Miller. “They care that somebody gets out quick and they’re confident. They’re well-staffed and well-trained.”

Crews said the combustible roof of the older building allowed the fire to spread more quickly.

There were no reported injuries during the fire.

“What was lost was lost when we got here,” said Miller. “What was saved was saved because of the men and women of the first alarm and subsequent companies responding.”

Greg Schultz, the owner of the nearby Manor Wine and Spirits, was grateful the fire was able to be contained.

“Our hearts go out for those people that are affected by it and will have to be closed for a while,” said Schultz.

The same plaza on Airway Road had lost six businesses to a fire in 2011. Local residents said it’s hard to see another loss for the area.

“Ten years later, another one that’s going to be real, a real kicker,” said community member Beth Leggett.

The state fire marshal is now handling the investigation. There is no word on when the Mediterranean restaurant next door to the Dollar General will be re-opened.

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