Cats saved as fire reduced Radford house to rubble

RADFORD, Va. – UPDATE

Emergency crews battled a house fire in Radford for nearly seven hours on Wednesday.

Although the house was empty, there were cats inside. Four were rescued and are doing OK. It's not clear if there were any cats that did not survive the fire. 

Officials say the fire does not seem suspicious, but state police are investigating the cause and origin of the fire. 

Courtesy of City of Radford

The house is a total loss and an excavator is caving in the sides of the building due to safety hazards. 

The surrounding houses were not damaged. 

Courtesy of City of Radford

ORIGINAL STORY 

Crews are battling a house fire in Radford Wednesday morning. 

The fire is at an empty house on Grove Avenue near 5th Avenue. 

Firefighters are on scene now. 

People are asked to avoid the area. Grove Avenue is closed from 7th to 3rd Avenue.Â