Belle View Shopping Center Fire Damages Surpass $5.8M

BELLE HAVEN, VA — The six-alarm fire impacting various businesses at the Belle View Shopping Center late Sunday caused more than $5.8 million in damages, Fairfax County Fire and Rescue reported. One firefighter suffered a minor injury, but no one else was hurt.

No one was in the building when the fire broke out, but a passerby noticed smoke coming from the building. Investigators say the fire started in a business kitchen. The exact cause of the blaze remains under investigation.

The massive fire required assistance from the Alexandria, Arlington County, Fort Belvoir, Prince Georges County, Maryland, Washington Metropolitan Airports Authority fire departments. Units responded before midnight to find heavy smoke, and fire became visible from the roof. Firefighters contained much of the damage to two businesses, which do not have fire sprinkler systems. Various other businesses had damages.

According to Covering the Corridor, Yido Sushi and Ramen and Belleview Cleaners-Launderers had the worst damage. Dishes of India and Bread & Water Company announced temporary closures due to minor damages. Alexandria Music Company was closed Monday but has reopened. Spokes Etc. bike shop said its location would be closed during cleanup.

Roy Rogers said in a Facebook post the location was closed "until further notice." According to NBC4, the roof of the business collapsed.

"We want to thank the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue personnel on the scene, today, and every day, for keeping our communities safe," read Roy Rogers' Facebook update.

An online fundraiserlaunched by the Mount Vernon Lee Chamber will support damaged businesses.