Fire Investigative Unit
The Roanoke Fire-EMS Fire Investigators are firefighters that determine the cause and the origin for fires in our response area. Most fires are unintentional or accidental in nature. However, some of our fires are determined to be arson fires. Arson is generally the crime of maliciously, voluntarily and willfully setting fires. Fire Investigators also work closely with the Roanoke Police Department in preparing cases for referral to Prosecuting Attorney's Office when appropriate.
If you have questions for our staff, or would like to report suspicious activity, please contact the Fire Marshal's Office at 540-853-2795 or
email.
Arson Prevention
Here are some arson prevention tips to help you reduce malicious fires:
- Keep leaves, firewood, overgrown brush/shrubbery and any other combustibles away from buildings.
- Keep doors and windows locked in garages, cars and unoccupied buildings. Board up abandoned buildings.
- Store all flammable liquids such as paints, gasoline, solvents or lawn mowers in an approved storage location such as locked metal cabinets, locked storage units and locked garages (preventing access to children). Keep flammable liquids away from heat sources such as furnaces and any type of heaters.
- Keep matches and lighters out of reach and out of sight of children. About 50% of all arson fires are committed by youth. If you suspect your child is setting fires contact the Roanoke Fire Marshal's Office.
To report a fire call 911. In a non-emergency situation, when you know or suspect that an arson crime has been committed, or to report suspicious activity near a house, garage, alley, railway or other building, call 540-853-2795 or Crimeline at 540-344-8500.