Monday, April 20, 2009
Cigarette sparks fire in Roanoke County; damage set at $120,000
Flames scorched the rear of a house in North Roanoke County early
Sunday when heat from cigarette in a flower pot kindled a fire,
officials said.
Two men, a woman and a dog escaped without injury. The fire was reported about 5 a.m. near Green Ridge Road in the 5500 block of Deer Park Drive, said Jennifer Conley Sexton, a spokeswoman for the Roanoke County Fire and Rescue Department.
Crews put out the flames at the ranch-style house in about 20 minutes, Conley Sexton said in a news release. Flames damaged the first floor, and water damaged the basement. Losses were estimated at $120,000.
"The fire marshal would like to remind citizens to discard smoking material safely," Conley Sexton said. "Always use deep, noncombustible ashtrays. Never use a container not meant for ashes or cigarette butts as an ashtray."
-- Jorge Valencia
