An early morning house fire displaced its occupant and left the dwelling on Ivey Street with some $35,000 in property and content damage.

Roanoke Rapids Fire Chief Stacy Coggins said firefighters responded to 1707 Ivey Street shortly before 3 this morning. They found heavy flames coming from the rear and heavy smoke pouring out the rest of the single-story, wood-frame structure.

The occupant of the house got out safely.

Firefighters got the blaze under control within 10 to 15 minutes, keeping fire damage contained to the rear. The house sustained heat and smoke damage throughout.

Asked if the house would be repairable, Coggins said, “It's going to take a lot of work. It's hard to say, it's going to take a whole lot of work.”

Coggins said the resident told firefighters he left a pot of grease on the stove, which is the probable cause of the fire. “The key,” he said, “Is never leave cooking unattended.”

The Red Cross is taking care of the man's living arrangements through Friday. Coggins said he has family in the area who will help him.

Approximately 18 firefighters, along with Roanoke Valley Rescue Squad members, EMS and police responded.