Fire destroyed a house in the 500 block of Harris Street this morning.

Lieutenant Chad Turner of the Roanoke Rapids Fire Department said while the cause is listed as undetermined, the homeowners told firefighters they were using a space heater. He said firefighters are leaning towards the space heater possibly contributing to the blaze.

The structure and contents are a total loss and the American Red Cross has been contacted to assist the occupants.

The fire department received a call of a structure fire at 526 Harris Street shortly after 5 this morning, Turner said.

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It was initially reported victims were trapped inside the two-story, wood-framed house but neighbors advised the occupants made it safely out of the residence.

Turner said the house was engulfed upon arrival and a search for possible victims and an attempt to extinguish the fire began.

Crews from stations 1 and 2 as well as off-duty firefighters used a large line and two smaller lines to battle the blaze. They contained the fire shortly after 6:45 and stayed on scene for cleanup and overhaul until shortly after 8.

There were no injuries to firefighters or residents. Two houses on either side of the residence which burned sustained vinyl siding damage and two vehicles belonging to the occupants of 526 Harris Street were damaged.

Halifax EMS and Roanoke Valley Rescue Squad assisted.

Turner said with overnight lows dipping below freezing for a good portion of the week, it is important for those who use space heaters to not place them directly against furniture, bedding, drapes and curtains. “Put them in the center of the house.”