Fatal home fire still being investigated

A Roanoke woman was killed in an early morning fire on Wednesday of last week.

According to Roanoke Volunteer Fire Department Chief Bill Ford, the body of Carolee Ann Sanders, 37, was found by firefighters in the utility room near the back door.

The fire at 203 Handley Ave. across from the old Palm Beach plant was reported at approximately 12:35 a.m. Heavy smoke and flames were showing when the first firefighters arrived.

Sanders’ 12-year-old son, Bradley Knoll, a student at Handley Middle School, found his bedroom full of smoke when he awoke. He knocked out his bedroom window to get out, receiving cuts and lacerations on his arms. Bradley was treated and released at Randolph Medical Center. He had already escaped when the trucks arrived and had reportedly gone to a neighbor’s house. Bradley’s twin brother and younger sister were not in the home at the time of the fire. An older sister had just recently moved out on her own.

Eighteen firefighters and three fire engines responded to the call, and some of them stayed on the scene until 11:43 a.m., including the state fire marshal, who investigates all fires with fatalities. The fire is believed to have started in the attic, and foul play is not suspected. Firefighters could find no smoke detectors in the house.

A motorist on Main Street in Roanoke reported to the fire department that he smelled smoke while driving past M.L. Awbrey around 11:45 p.m.

The historic wood-frame house, owned by Morgan Butler, is a total loss.

Ford said Sanders’ body will be autopsied, but smoke inhalation will be the most likely cause of her death. The cause of the fire is still under investigation by the state fire marshal. Ford said that as of Tuesday morning, there was no more new information to release in the ongoing investigation.

First Baptist Church of Roanoke is accepting donations for the family. The twin boys’ shirt and pants sizes are 14-16 with shoes 6-7. The younger sister’s shirt size is medium, pants are girls 10-12 and shoes are 2-1/2 to 3. The church number is 334-863-4109.