Thursday, July 14, 2016

a woman has died after a fire at an apartment building for the elderly and disabled in Roanoke Rapids, NC



It happened at Becker Manor on Becker Drive. (image courtesy Roanoke Rapids Fire Department)





Updated 1 hr 8 mins ago
ROANOKE RAPIDS, NC (WTVD) -- Firefighters say a woman has died after a fire at an apartment building for the elderly and disabled in Roanoke Rapids.

Heavy smoke was coming from Becker Manor on Becker Drive when firefighters arrived around 9 p.m. Wednesday.

71-year-old Evelyn Welch was found in her room and taken to a local hospital where she later died.

Investigators said the fire likely started with smoking materials found in Welch's room.

Displaced resident are being given shelter at a Roanoke Rapids church.