ROANOKE, Va. – A woman is in custody after purposely setting two Roanoke fires within the span of just a few hours, leaving several residents displaced, according to Roanoke Fire-EMS.
The first happened at about 9:48 a.m. at an apartment in the 1700 block of Dunbar Street NW and was extinguished quickly.
Then about an hour later, at 10:43 a.m., crews were called to a second fire in the 1600 block of 10th Street.
The fire, which was extinguished within half an hour, affected two single-family homes, one of which has been deemed a total loss. Officials are still determining the damage to the second residence.
Fortunately, no one was hurt in the incidents, but residents from all three homes have been displaced and are receiving assistance from the American Red Cross.
After further investigation, the Fire Marshal’s Office determined that the fires were related and were set intentionally.
The Roanoke Police Department and Fire Marshal’s Office have arrested 31-one-year-old Heather Johnson, who was identified as a suspect.
She is being held at the Roanoke City Adult Detention Center without bond and has been charged with arson of an occupied dwelling in connection with the fire on 10th Street in Northeast Roanoke.
Authorities say more charges against Johnson are pending following the investigation.
Anyone with information about these incidents is asked to call either the Fire Marshal’s Office Tip Line at 540-853-2406 or the Roanoke Police Department at 540-344-8500 and share what you know. You can also text RPD at 274637; please begin the text with “RoanokePD” to ensure it is properly sent.
