A space heater placed too closely to bedding material is the suspected cause of a Sunday morning fire on Washington Street.
Roanoke Rapids Fire Department Deputy Chief Mike Clements said the official cause of the fire, which firefighters responded to around 4 a.m., is listed as undetermined.
Firefighters arrived at 611 Washington Street, one block down from the high school, and observed heavy smoke coming from the second floor on the left side.
Occupants made it out of the house safely and firefighters learned the occupant of the room awakened to heat on his leg. The occupant of the room immediately left and notified family members, Clements said.
Firefighters established a water supply at 6th and Washington streets and made an interior attack to knock down the fire and put out hotspots.
The scene was deemed under control in about 45 minutes.
There was major fire damage to the bedroom. The rest of the house sustained water and smoke damage.
All possessions and clothing were lost in the bedroom where the fire originated.
Roanoke Rapids responded with 13 firefighters. The Roanoke Valley Rescue Squad dispatched five technicians to the scene and Halifax EMS had two employees to monitor firefighters’ blood pressure and vital signs.
