2009.10.21
Investigators determine cause of house fire near U.S. 220
Roanoke County fire officials have released the following in regard to the house fire on Circle Creek Drive off U.S. 220 (see our original post on the fire here):
Combustibles Stored Too Close to a Water Heater Cause Fire
October 21, 2009 Investigators have determined that combustibles
stored too close to a gas water heater caused a fire that displaced a Roanoke County woman
early this morning.
The fire damage was mostly contained to the one room where the fire started. The fire then
spread to the ceiling and through the roof. The rest of the home received significant smoke
damage.
Roanoke County Fire & Rescue was dispatched to the 6700 block of Circle Creek Drive at
3:20 a.m. for a reported structure fire. When firefighters arrived they found flames coming
through the roof of a single story wood framed home.
It took fire crews from Clearbrook, Cave Spring and Mount Pleasant about 45 minutes to get
the flames under control. Boones Mill assisted with fire suppression efforts. Crews had to
shuttle water from the nearest hydrant which was across Route 220.
The woman who lived in the house heard her smoke detector sounding, went to investigate
and saw smoke filling her home. She called 9-1-1 and escaped without injury. She will be
displaced for some time while repairs are made to her home. Red Cross has been contacted
for assistance.
A damage estimate has not been determined as of yet.
The Fire Marshal’s office would like to remind citizens to keep all combustible materials at
least 36 inches away from any ignition source.
