The Salem Fire & EMS Department responded to a residential structure fire early on the morning of Sunday, Dec. 8 at 357 Craig Avenue, according to a city release. The initial 911 call was received at 2:30 a.m. The first units arrived within four minutes of receiving the call for help and found heavy fire and smoke coming from the home.
Three occupants and one dog were able to get out safely without any reported injuries. The displaced residents are staying with family in the area.
It took firefighters about 40 minutes to contain and extinguish the fire. The home and its contents sustained heavy damage. The overall damage estimate is $250,000 for all property losses. The Salem Fire Marshal’s Office has completed its investigation and determined the fire was accidental and caused by unattended cooking.
Approximately 26 personnel from the Salem Fire & EMS Department and Roanoke City Fire-EMS Department (Truck 1, Engine 2, Engine 3, Medic 802, Medic 803, Rescue 801, Fire Medic 1, Battalion 1, Fire Marshal 1, Fire Marshal 2, Roanoke City Battalion 2, Roanoke City Ladder 5, Roanoke City Engine 13) responded and assisted in extinguishing the fire.
-The Salem Times-Register