UPDATE 12:38 p.m.: WFXR’s Kylie Kidd arrived at the scene of Saturday morning’s multi-building fire in Vinton and captured the following photographs of 101 E. Lee Avenue being demolished.



ROANOKE COUNTY, Va. (WFXR) — Roanoke County first responders responded to a structure fire involving multiple buildings in Vinton early Saturday morning, officials say.

On Saturday, July 2, at approximately 1:54 a.m., the Roanoke County Fire and Rescue Department says first responders received a call about multiple buildings on fire at the intersection of E. Lee Avenue and S. Pollard Street.

The first fire truck from Vinton arrived at the scene within four minutes of the call. Roanoke Fire-EMS also assisted on the scene.

According to the department, 101 E. Lee Avenue housed the business DR Music and was built in 1930. Meanwhile, 103 E. Lee Avenue contained Edward Jones Investments. Both buildings are considered total losses after both roofs collapsed.

Crews are currently waiting on scene for heavy equipment to properly demolish the building of 101 E. Lee Avenue, while residents of the apartment at 103 E. Lee Avenue are currently being assisted by the Red Cross.

Home to the business Rustic Creations, 107 E. Lee Avenue has sustained some smoke damage.

The building at 206 and 208 S. Pollard Street — which contains two businesses and three apartments — has sustained heavy roof damage, in addition to smoke and water damage. Residents of this building are also being assisted by the American Red Cross.

At this time, a total of eight people and multiple animals have been displaced from four apartments. There are no reported injuries among residents or first responders, but least three cats died in the fire.

The Town of Vinton says crews fought to extinguish the fire until after 7 a.m. on Saturday.

The Roanoke County building inspector is currently determining the structural stability of this building and others, officials say.

The cause of the fire has not yet been determined. The Roanoke County Fire Marshal’s Office is also working to provide damage estimates.

In the meantime, Vinton officials ask anyone traveling near downtown on Saturday evening or Sunday, July 3 to watch out for road closures and try to avoid S. Pollard Street and E. Lee Avenue.