Roanoke Rapids firefighters as of this report were still working to bring a house fire in the 400 block of Franklin Street under control.

Battalion Chief Tim Gray said the house is considered a total loss.

Chief Jason Patrick said no one was injured and pets were accounted for and were not harmed.

While the original call came in around 3:11 this afternoon, firefighters were still contending with heavy smoke and flames were still visible around 5:15. Charred woodwork could be seen on the left side of the backyard and smoke was still rising.

The roof of the house had collapsed and Roanoke Rapids was using its ladder truck to bring the blaze under control.

Gray said upon the first call in what it is considered to be a three-alarm fire, firefighters observed heavy fire and smoke.

The eaves of a neighboring house had started to burn and firefighters suppressed that blaze while attacking the main structure at 408 Franklin Street, a one-story brick residence.

Firefighters began using the ladder truck when fire was venting through the roof. 

Roanoke Valley Rescue Squad, Davie and Gaston fire departments, Halifax County EMS, and the city’s police and public works departments responded.

As of this report, firefighters had been dispatched to the rear of the house where items were still smoldering, Gray said.

A cause or origin has yet to be determined.