UPDATED NEWS RELEASE: In the early morning hours of February 3rd, 2022, Roanoke Fire-EMS responded to a residential structure fire at 1311 Church Ave SE. Upon arrival, crews found the residence to be fully involved with heavy smoke and flames and an additional exposure structure partially involved. The primary residence at 1311 Church Ave SE was a total loss. During the course of the fire investigation by the Fire Marshal’s Office, a victim was found inside the residence. The victim was confirmed to be Joshua D. Williams – 32 years of age. The medical examiner’s office determined a preliminary cause of death to be smoke inhalation. The Fire Marshal’s Office continues to investigate the incident, however, due to the significant fire damage of the residence the cause of the fire is presently classified as undetermined.
PREVIOUS: On Thursday, February 3, at 3:34 a.m., Roanoke Fire-EMS was dispatched to the 1300 block of Church Ave SE for a two alarm structure fire. Units arrived to find one house fully involved and flames showing from a neighboring house. After the fire was extinguished, crews discovered a victim inside the house during their investigation. The victim died as a result of injuries sustained in the fire. The Medical Examiner’s Office will determine the exact cause of death. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.
