January 11, 2009 (ROANOKE COUNTY) — Roanoke County Fire & Rescue is currently on the scene of a house fire in the 4800 block of Glade Creek Road. The department was dispatched just before 4:30 p.m. today to the house for a reported structure fire.
When firefighters first arrived they found a two-story wood framed farmhouse with heavy smoke and flames coming from it. The house is estimated to be about 3500 square feet and about 100 years old. Crews originally tried to fight this fire from within the home, but soon had to retreat because it was too dangerous. Career and Volunteer crews from the Read Mountain, Vinton, Hollins, and Mount Pleasant stations now have to battle this fire from outside the home. Additional fire crews from Botetourt are assisting with fire suppression efforts.
There are no fire hydrants in this area, so crews have to draft and pump water from the nearby Glade Creek. Norfolk Southern railroad tracks have been shut down so firefighters can stretch fire hose across the tracks.
Initial reports indicate a father and his two adult daughters live here and all escaped without injury. Several pet dogs also escaped without harm. The father called 9-1-1 to report smoke in the home. Smoke detectors in the home did sound.
A volunteer firefighter from Read Mountain station was transported to the hospital with non-life threatening injuries and is expected to be okay.
Fire investigators have arrived on scene and will begin their investigation as soon as possible.
The home is expected to be a total loss.

Coverage by the Roanoke Times
Coverage by WSLS
Coverage by WDBJ7

Photos by Rhett Fleitz