January 22, 2013 (ROANOKE COUNTY)—Roanoke County Fire & Rescue crews were called to the 3800 block of Thompsons Lane at about 8:30 a.m. for a reported structure fire. Several people passing by in cars spotted flames coming from the back deck and called 9-1-1.
When the first firefighters arrived, they reported seeing heavy smoke in the area as the approached the split level brick house and then flames coming from the back deck of the house. It took crews from the Cave Spring and Clearbook station about six minutes to put the flames out. Firefighters then checked to make sure the fire had not extended into the attic or other areas of the home. Flames did burn the eaves of the house, but not significantly.
A woman was home at the time of the fire and escaped without injury. Her husband and daughter were not home. The family is displaced because of the smoke damage and Red Cross has offered assistance.
Several cats and other animals also lived in the home. Most have been accounted for. Firefighters are looking for several missing cats.
Fire investigators are now on scene trying to determine what sparked the fire.