Elderly woman hospitalized with life-threatening injuries after fire in Hollins area

ROANOKE, Va. – UPDATE  

Officials have determined the cause of a fire that sent an elderly woman to the hospital with life-threatening injuries. 

Investigators say the fire was caused by flammable materials that were too close to a heat source. 

The woman is reportedly suffering from severe smoke inhalation. 

The damage is estimated at around $40,000.  

UPDATE 

An elderly woman has been taken to the hospital with life-threatening injuries after a fire in the Hollins area, according to fire and rescue officials. 

Crews responded to the fire around 5:20 p.m. on Monday in the 7300 block of Scarlet Oak Drive just off Peters Creek Road for a structure fire. 

When crews arrived, they say they found smoke inside the single-story home and found an unresponsive elderly woman inside. She has been taken to a hospital with what appear to be life-threatening injuries.

Officials say a cat was also found inside the home. After several attempts to save the cat, it was determined that the cat was dead. 

There is reportedly a fair amount of damage to the home, mostly in the kitchen. Officials say the fire was brought under control in about 30 minutes. 

Officials believe the woman and her cat were the only ones home at the time of the fire. 

Units on either side of the home both have smoke damage, but residents will not be displaced. 

The Roanoke County Fire Marshal's Office is on the scene to investigate a cause and estimate damages. 

ORIGINAL STORY

Crews are on the scene of a 'serious' house fire in northern Roanoke County, according to officials. 

Authorities say the fire is in the 7300 block of Scarlet Oak Drive, just off Peters Creek Road and less than three miles from I-581. 

10 News has a crew on the way to the scene to learn more. 

Stay with 10 News as this breaking news develops.