ROANOKE, Va. (AP) - Roanoke authorities say a fire at an apartment complex and assisted living facility has been ruled accidental.
Roanoke Fire-EMS Chief David Hoback tells media outlets that four people suffered minor injuries and were treated at the scene of Wednesday’s fire at Stratford Village. A firefighter and a paramedic also gave oxygen to one cat after it was rescued.
The city fire marshal’s office determined that improperly discarded smoking materials caused the fire.
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The fire displaced 47 people. A temporary shelter was set up at the Roanoke Civic Center. A community animal response team is helping residents who have pets.
Hoback says the fire started in a third-floor apartment. Some residents who use wheelchairs or walkers were carried out of the building.
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