Vinton, Va. – UPDATE 9:00 a.m.
The buildings affected by this fire are two-story buildings not three story as previously stated. There are now at least three cats that have died in the fire.
The first fire engine from Vinton arrived within four minutes of the call. The fire is now under control but not completely extinguished. There are still no injuries. The fire originated in 101 E. Lee Avenue in the Town of Vinton.
That building contained the business DR Music. 101 E. Lee has had the roof collapse and is a total loss. The building is not structurally sound.
Crews are awaiting heavy equipment to safely demolish the building and completely extinguish the fire. 101 E. Lee was built in 1930. 103 E. Lee Avenue in the Town of Vinton contains the business of Edward Jones Investments. This building has also had a roof collapse and is considered a total loss.
There was an apartment in this building. Those residents are being assisted by The American Red Cross. 107 E. Lee Avenue in the Town of Vinton contains the business Rustic Creations. This building has sustained some smoke damage.
The building at 206 and 208 S. Pollard Street in the Town of Vinton is one building that contains two businesses and about three apartments. This building has also sustained heavy roof damage as well as smoke and water damage. The Roanoke County building inspector is on scene to assess the structural stability of this building and others.
These residents are also being assisted by the American Red Cross. In total, four apartments, eight adults and multiple pets have been displaced. The Roanoke County Fire Marshal’s Office is continuing to investigate the cause of the fire and will attempt to provide damage estimates. However, it may be tomorrow before that information is released.
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UPDATE: 5:43 a.m.
Roanoke County Fire fighters said eight adults from four apartments have been displaced as a result from this fire.
The American Red Cross has been notified to assist those displaced.
At least one cat has died in the fire. The roof has collapsed on the main building that is on fire. Incident command is concerned that the entire building could collapse and so some units have had to back up away from the building.
Due to the large presence of fire and EMS personnel and equipment and also due to the possibility of a building collapse, most of the streets in Downtown Vinton are closed and will remain closed for much of the morning.
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An early morning fire destroyed a music business in Vinton.
Witnesses tell 10 News they were driving by when they saw smoke and then fire coming from D.R. Music located at the intersection of E. Lee Avenue and S. Pollard Street.
They called 911 just after 1:30 am to report flames coming from the building. While Vinton Fire Department is working to contain hot spots continued to flare up throughout the morning.
Firefighters say no one was inside when the fire started.
Donnie Ray, the owner of the music store says he was in business for 39 years. He says there were $100,000 worth of instruments inside the building where he also taught music lessons. Ray says the building is a total loss.
Firefighters are investigating what caused the fire.