Photos by Alex Ebel

Read the news release and other photos on this fire and others in Roanoke County this past weekend here.

The account below is from Mark Ebel. Mark is an Elliston Firefighter who lives near where the fire occurred.

3 story masonry constructed residential structure, had been on the market for a number of years. On Sunday afternoon, March 7, neighbors noticed smoke rising from the roof line. I was alerted and called Roanoke Co. dispatch. I gave address, structure type, and requested Co. 3, rescue 3, ladder 3, battalion 1, second due (co 9 and air 9). Co. 7 was also on scene. Nobody home at the time. No exposure on side D, side B neighbors were advised -not clear if they evacuated. Smoke was moving from D side to B side (west to east). Other neighbors’ homes were sprayed to cool because of volume of smoke and airborne materials. Engine 3 was primary and on hydrant with 5 inch, tanker 9 was also on another hydrant with a 5 inch connection. Ladder 3 was up and flowed water.

On my initial walkaround, I saw smoke on 3 levels of the house, and flames on the B/C roofline corner. The house had self-ventilated. The garage doors were open, the door between the kitchen and the garage was closed and cool to the touch.

Reported findings to first Roanoke Co. unit on scene, then to the officer in charge.

I was able to help connect Engine 3, hauled hose, and some exterior attack. Also helped repack everything.