January 12, 2016 (ROANOKE COUNTY)—The Fire Marshal’s Office has determined that the cause of the fatal fire on Monday morning was accidental in nature. The fire originated in the kitchen, but because of the heavy fire damage, a specific cause is undetermined. The medical examiner’s office has confirmed the victim to be Mark F. Coles who was 61 years of age and lived in the house. The cause of death was determined to be “smoke inhalation and thermal burns”.
January 11, 2016 (ROANOKE COUNTY)—Roanoke County Fire & Rescue crews were dispatched to the 5700 block of Enchanted Lane at about 5:15 this morning for a reported structure fire. A neighbor called to report the fire. Sadly, a body was found inside the charred home. The body of an adult has been sent to the medical examiner’s office for identification and cause of death determination. A cat was also found to have perished in the fire, and another cat remains missing. When firefighters arrived at just after 5:15 a.m., they reported a single story house with flames coming through the roof. Incident commanders determined the house was structurally unsafe to enter, and crews began to defensively attack the fire. Because this is a non-hydrant area of the County, career and volunteer crews from the Clearbrook, Cave Spring, and Mount Pleasant stations shuttled water in on tanker trucks then dumping it into a portable tank. A pumper truck then drafts the water from the tank through the hose on onto the fire. Damage estimates are figured to be $125,000 including damage to the structure, contents and a vehicle. The house is likely a total loss. The Roanoke County Fire Marshal’s Office and the Police Department have been jointly working this investigation to determine the identity of the body, cause of death and cause of the fire.
