VINTON, Va. (WFXR) — The Roanoke County Fire and Rescue Department has provided an update regarding Saturday morning’s fire in downtown Vinton that damaged multiple buildings.
The total estimated damage from all of the buildings is currently $1.5 million, with officials estimating the damage to 101 E. Lee Avenue alone to be around $500,000.
The Town of Vinton reports that no determination has been made yet in regards to what started the fire.
At this time, 101 E. Lee Avenue is the only building that has been demolished due to posing a public hazard after being ruled a total loss. Several surrounding buildings have been damaged — including 103 E. Lee Avenue, which was also deemed a total loss — and will undergo individual assessments in the coming days and weeks to determine their structural fate, officials say.
No residents, business owners, or first responders sustained any injuries. However, three cats died and eight people were displaced, according to the fire department.
First responders worked from the time of the initial call — which was approximately 1:54 a.m. — until well after 7 a.m. on Saturday, July 2 to distinguish the fire.
Members of the Vinton Public Works Department and Vinton Police Department worked to secure the downtown area and close streets to allow fire crews to work the site.
We’re incredibly thankful for our first responders, public works crews, police officers, fire marshal’s office, building commissioner’s office, local utility workers, demo contractor’s employees, area business owners, and our citizens who responded today when tragedy struck our town. We are grateful that no injuries were sustained by the responders or occupants in the affected buildings. We are sad to learn that several pets were lost and offer our condolences to the owners of the pets.
Statement posted on Facebook on July 2, 2022 by the Town of Vinton government
(Photo courtesy: Roanoke County Fire and Rescue Department) 
(Photo courtesy: Roanoke County Fire and Rescue Department)
Anyone traveling near downtown Vinton this weekend should be aware of road closures. You are also encouraged to plan your route around South Pollard Street and East Lee Avenue while the site is being cleaned.
Non-perishable food items and clothing for the displaced residents are currently being accepted by the Vinton Area Chamber of Commerce. Information about the commerce can be found on the chamber’s website.
