When the first firefighters arrived they found heavy flames coming from the side of a two-story house. It took firefighters from the Vinton, Mount Pleasant and Hollins stations about 30 minutes to get the flames under control. Crews worked for about an hour searching for fire extension into the walls, ceilings and void areas before calling the fire out. The fire burned through the roof and caused heavy damage to the house.
Three occupants were home at the time of the fire, but were able to escape without injury. The eight people who live in the home are displaced and planning to stay with family in the area.
Fire investigators have determined the fire started in a back bedroom on the first floor. They are now working to determine exactly what sparked the fire in that room.