WDBJ7 Roanoke News and Weather NRV Lynchburg Danville | Investigators search for cause of apartment complex fire in Roanoke
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Firefighters were back at a Roanoke apartment complex today searching for the cause of a fire that practically gutted the facility Monday night. Authorities say the fire started on the first floor. But it may take a day or two before a cause is known.
Officials say both buildings are now condemned. The Housing Authority has been working with the people who lived there. The thirty-two people who lost their homes have been relocated to other apartments or are staying with family.
The fire broke out around 7:40 p.m. at the Maple Shades Apartments. That's located in the 700 block of 13th Street. When crews arrived, they found one building completely in flames. A second building also caught on fire.
Firefighters did run into a bit of an obstacle while fighting the fire. Crews had to deal with low water pressure. A fire spokesperson says crews never actually lost water, but because they were using five water hydrants in the same area, the force was not as strong at times. The water authority was called in to turn up the pressure. Fire officials assure that the brief setback would not have made much of a difference since the flames spread so quickly.
The Red Cross is not accepting donations of clothing or similar items. It is asking instead that people make cash donations to its local disaster relief fund. Those donations can be made by calling (540) 985-3535 or at its website at www.RoanokeValleyRedCross.org.
However, The Salvation Army is gathering furniture and household items for fire victims. Donations are being accepted at the main warehouse at 4142 Melrose Avenue, Northwest.
