Roanoke County Fire & EMS sends this update on Tuesday’s fire on Overbrook Drive:

Fire investigators continue to investigate what caused a car to catch fire, then spread to the house it was parked next to.

Reportedly, the male occupant of the home went to start the 2000 Volkswagon Cabriolet. He went back inside the home to get something and heard an explosion. When he went back to the car that was parked under the carport next to the house, the engine compartment was on fire and the flames soon spread to the home. The flames quickly spread up the side of the house and to the roof and attic area causing significant damage. The inside of the home sustained a considerable amount of smoke and water damage. The couple who lived in the home is displaced.

Four cats were inside the home when the fire started. Firefighters rescued two of the cats, reviving them outside with oxygen. Two other cats perished in the fire.

Damage estimates are not yet available. The investigation is ongoing.

Earlier News Release:
October 9, 2012 (ROANOKE COUNTY)—Roanoke County Fire & Rescue crews were dispatched to the 3400 block of Overbrook Drive off of Grandin Road at 2:44 this afternoon for a reported car fire near a house.

When firefighters were in route they could see heavy black smoke in the area. Upon arrival they found a car fully involved in flames parked under a carport next to a house with flames spreading to the brick ranch home. Flames spread to the attic and through the roof. It took firefighters about 40 minutes to mark the fire under control. The house has sustained significant fire, heat and smoke damage throughout.

No people were in the home when fire crews arrived, but four cats were reportedly inside. Firefighters searched the home and were able to rescue two cats, but have not been able to locate the other two. Several reports indicate the cats may have run from the home. The two cats rescued have been taken to a local vet.

Fire Investigators are on scene.