November 9, 2009 (ROANOKE COUNTY) –The Fire Marshal’s Office has determined a fire
that destroyed a home in the Mount Pleasant area of Roanoke County last night was
accidental. The blaze started in a storage building located about 10 feet beside the house, then
spread to the home. Investigators are unable to identify a specific cause due to the extensive
fire damage, but have ruled out any incendiary causes. Damage estimates are at $125,000.
Roanoke County Fire & Rescue Department was dispatched to the 3500 block of Simsmore
Avenue around 8 p.m. last night for a reported structure fire. When firefighters arrived they
found flames coming from a single story modular home. Career and volunteer fire crews
from the Mount Pleasant, Clearbrook, Vinton and Cave Spring stations battled the blaze for
several hours before getting it under control. Crews did spend some time salvaging a number
of important items from the house for the homeowners.
The man who lives in the home said he looked outside just before 8 p.m. and saw his storage
building fully engulfed in flames. The building contained lawnmowers, tools and household
items and had electricity hooked up to it.
The man and woman who live in the home were able to escape unharmed and call 9-1-1.
Their dog was also safe. They are staying with family.
No injuries were reported