Cause of massive Southeast Roanoke fire still under investigation

ROANOKE, Va. – UPDATE

The cause of a massive fire that ripped through an industrial building in Southeast Roanoke is under investigation.

10 News was at the scene and captured flames and smoke, which could be seen from blocks away early Saturday morning.

Substantial manpower was required to handle the blaze, with crews taking a defensive position after part of the building collapsed at one point.

10 News has also learned that the Noke Van Company’s building and the Chris’s Coffee & Custard food truck were both destroyed.

Noke Van Co. staff said in a social media post that they were grateful to the fire crews who worked throughout the night Saturday to keep Riverdale safe.

Chris’s Coffee & Custard food truck also released a statement saying they are thankful nobody was hurt, and they will make plans to rebuild another Chris’s Truck in the upcoming weeks.

Noke Van Co has set up a GoFundMe to help begin the rebuilding process. If you’re interested in donating, you can do so here.

ORIGINAL STORY

The fire in an industrial area of Southeast Roanoke has been contained, according to Roanoke Fire-EMS. Crews will stay on scene to monitor the situation and take care of hot spots.

Flames and smoke could be seen billowing out of Noke Van Co. in what’s known as an industrial area of the city, near 9th St. and River Avenue SE early Saturday morning.

A collapse was reported at the site, leading fire crews to adopt a defensive posture for safety, according to Roanoke Fire-EMS.

Explosions could be heard coming from the site. Initially, authorities blocked off some roads leading to the scene. The roads have now reopened.

Roanoke County Fire and Rescue provided mutual aid to Roanoke City’s stations due to the large response to the fire.

No injuries have been reported, and the cause of the fire is currently under investigation.