Sprinkler system controls fire inside West End store

HENRICO COUNTY, Va. Avenue, a womens clothing store, was evacuated Wednesday afternoon after Henrico Fire crews responded to a fire inside the store located at 9077 Staples Mill Road.

Henrico Fire Battalion Chief Eugene Gerald said it appeared the fire started at about 1:04 p.m. in the main part of the store. The exact cause of the fire has not yet been determined.

Inside the Avenue clothing store fire crews found a small fire that had been extinguished by the stores sprinkler system, Henrico Fire spokesman Danny Rosenbaum said. There was minor smoke, water and fire damage done to the Avenue clothing store. The GameStop next to the store suffered minor water damage and the Sweet Frog had no damage.

Chris Jarvis and his youngson took a shopping break to watch his heroes in action.

It looks like it was pretty serious, Chris Jarvis said. Hes a fan of fire trucks. So, we wanted to make sure everything was alright.

No injuries were reported as a result of the fire.

Photos taken at the shopping center showed Henrico Fire crews in the parking lot. One witness said he saw smoke coming from Avenue, but never saw any flames.

Nearby stores and restaurants such as Sweet Frog andGameStop were temporarily closed while Henrico Fire crews investigated,Gerald said.

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Sprinkler system controls fire inside West End store