ROANOKE, Va. – June 1, UPDATE:
The explosive house fire that occurred in Roanoke on Friday was revealed to have been caused intentionally, Roanoke Fire-EMS said.
The Roanoke Fire Marshal’s Office determined the incident was intentionally caused by a man who poured gasoline through the residence before igniting the fuel. The fire then caused an explosion, as well as extensive damage to the home.
Authorities said the fire and explosion resulted in a family living next to the structure being displaced. Some neighbors also lost electrical service to their homes as a result.
Authorities identified the suspect as 56-year-old Michal Steven McClintic. He suffered extensive burns in the event and was taken to the Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital for treatment. He was later flown to VCU Health Evans-Haynes Burn Center, where he succumbed to his injuries on Saturday, May 30.
Roanoke Fire-EMS thanked the Roanoke City Police Department and Virginia State Police for their assistance in the investigation.
UPDATE:
The Roanoke Fire Department announced Friday that five people have been displaced and one person was hospitalized with life-threatening injuries after a house fire in the Valley View area.
According to officials, at 3:55 p.m., crews were dispatched to reports of a duplex on fire in the 2600 block of Dorchester Drive Northwest.
Initial reports indicated there was a patient in the front yard with critical injuries that self-extricated themselves from the home.
While en route to the fire, the team on Engine 3 reported visible smoke in the area, and the call was upgraded to a working fire response, adding additional resources.
At 3:57 p.m., Engine 3 arrived and advised there was a residential structure with heavy fire showing and a partial structural collapse with a victim outside. The call was upgraded to a two-alarm fire response.
Firefighters and medics quickly went to work extinguishing flames and providing medical care and transport to a local hospital for one patient. Due to the structural collapse, downed wires and continued explosions from the home, the team initiated a defensive attack.
Officials said that the fire was quickly knocked down. Five people have been displaced, and one person was transported to the hospital with life-threatening injuries.
The cause of the fire is under investigation at this time.
Original:
The Roanoke Fire Department is currently on the scene of a working fire in the 2600 block of Dorchester Drive NW of Roanoke on Friday.
Roanoke Fire-EMS said as of 5:06 p.m., the fire is under control, and one person was transported to a local hospital for medical care.
Crews also told 10 News that “explosions” occurred prior to the fire.
The cause of the fire is currently under investigation.
Details are limited at this time, but 10 News is on the scene and will have more information as it becomes available.