Fire damages SE Roanoke home, 3 escape flames

Roanoke City Fire-EMS believes an electrical problem sparked a fire that destroyed a home in the southeast part of the city, on Thursday afternoon.

Firefighters tell us the fire started around 12:19 p.m., at a home in the 700 block of Montrose Avenue.  (Click here for a map)

When fire crews arrived, they found heavy smoke coming from a two-story home.

Investigators say three people were inside the home when the fire started, and all three got out safely.

The Fire Marshal’s Office estimates damages at $45,000, the cause as accidental, and the place where the fire sparked as the home’s kitchen.  Also, the home did not have working smoke detectors.

Seven people lived in the home.  The Red Cross is helping them.