ROANOKE TIMES 
                      Copyright (c) 1997, Roanoke Times

DATE: Tuesday, March 11, 1997                TAG: 9703110095
SECTION: VIRGINIA                 PAGE: C-3  EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: DIANE STRUZZI

INVESTIGATORS: N.W. ROANOKE FIRE WAS SET

A fire that displaced two families in Northwest Roanoke apparently was set, according to Roanoke fire investigators.

The fire began in a pile of abandoned furniture in the rear of the house at 1714 Melrose Ave., according to Assistant Fire Marshal David Deck. Investigators do not know how the fire ignited. But they have taken samples from debris at the fire scene to test for flammable materials, Deck said. Police are helping with the investigation.

The families who lived at the duplex were inside when the fire started about 8:20 a.m. Saturday. The residents escaped unharmed. Firefighters estimated damage at about $40,000.

LENGTH: Short :   24 lines
KEYWORDS: ARSON