
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: MONDAY, February 25, 1991                   TAG: 9102250341
SECTION: VIRGINIA                    PAGE: A5   EDITION: EVENING 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Short

MOUNT PLEASANT MAN DIES IN HOUSE FIRE

A man died Saturday night, apparently after being overcome by heat and smoke, in a house fire in Mount Pleasant, Roanoke County fire officials said today.

The man, who has not been identified, was found at the front door of the house on Ivyland Road, according to Fire Marshal Donald Gillispie. He was the only person inside the house, he said.

The fire destroyed the house and contents, causing at least $45,000 in damage, he said.

Fire officials believe the fire was caused by faulty electrical wiring, because it started in the walls and apparently smoldered for at least an hour before it was seen by a neighbor and reported, Gillispie said.

The fire traveled through the walls to the attic of the house and then burned back into the house, he said.

Firefighters were able to get the fire under control within 20 minutes. They also saved a pet rabbit.

Authorities hope to identify the man later today, Gillispie said.

by CNB