VINTON, Va. – Vinton town leaders are looking to move forward after a devastating fire on South Pollard Street last Summer.
Eight people were displaced, and three cats died.
A beloved staple, the D.R. Music store was destroyed. Vinton town leaders are looking to recover and working with businesses to ensure they can thrive after the fire nearly nine months ago.
“It was horrifying,” Mark Frye, the owner of Creative Occasions, said.
Frye could not believe the massive fire in Vinton happened doors down from his shop.
“When you drive up and see what’s happening to the neighbor and seeing what impact it has on their business, cause these are like our children,” Frye said.
Frye has owned the business for 23 years, and he is one owner that wants to see small enterprises thrive after a fire destroyed the music store nearly nine months ago.
“I really hope the owners of the property are going to rebuild,” Frye said,
Town leaders said more buildings would have to be demolished nearly nine months later.
They said as many as seven structures will have sustained total loss or significant damages because of the fire.
Ten news asked if the structures could have been saved.
“The original structure that the fire originated in was determined at that time it was an immediate demolition because they felt it was a public safety (hazard) that the building could collapse so they immediately ordered to take that structure down,” Pete Peters, Vinton Town Manager, said.
A report 10 News obtained from Roanoke County Fire and Rescue states the fire started somewhere on the first floor of the music store.
Several electrical appliances were inside the building, including a coffee maker, hot dog warmer, extension cords and power strips, and fluorescent lighting.
Fire officials said those could not be ruled out at this time. And town leaders say they hope new buildings will replace those being torn down.
“We’re looking to try and use the space for the highest best use to take a really bad situation and make the best out of it,” Peters said.