DAYTON, Va. (WHSV) – It’s been two months since the Dayton Mini Market burned down, but the community is still dealing with the loss.
At 3 a.m. on August 7, residents woke up to the sound of sirens. Resident Mary Floria still vividly remembers what she saw that morning.
“I was in bed at 3 a.m. and I saw a lot of flashing lights,” Floria said. “I didn’t know what was going on.”
The popular Dayton Mini Market and four apartment buildings above it were engulfed in flames. Damages exceeded $750,000 and the structure was deemed a total loss.
“The people who lived in the apartments above the small market had to go somewhere else,” Floria said.
The fire spread to the Dayton Tavern next door, but firefighters quickly extinguished it. The tavern remained closed, and it was later determined that an electrical malfunction caused the fire.
What remains of the market is gone. At the site is a vacant lot filled with rubble and rubble, cordoned off with caution tape.
This market was a small town staple and the only grocery store within walking distance of the surrounding area. Accessibility is a big concern for residents like Floria.
“It’s sad because so many people depend on that small market,” Floria said. “Neither my fiancé nor I drive. We have to rely on taxis to go to Walmart and get things we need.”
The wooden sign that once hung outside the Dayton Mini Market now stands outside the owner’s home. Jay Patel, the owner’s son, said he hopes to rebuild it.
“We’re trying,” Patel said. “There were many hurdles, but I will do my best.”
Patel said the community helped her parents move forward.
“They’re doing much better now. The town’s support has been great,” he said.
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