Faulty wiring on a window air conditioning unit is believed to be the cause of a morning fire on Chockoyotte Street.

Firefighters and Roanoke Rapids police each investigated the fire, Roanoke Rapids Fire Department Deputy Chief Mike Clements said.

The fire started in the backroom of the house and firefighters reported that particular room was a total loss. There was smoke and water damage throughout the house, but firefighters believe the house should be repairable.

No one was home at the time of the fire. The American Red Cross arrived to give assistance to the family of Rose Roundtree, who owns the house but said earlier today she has no insurance on the dwelling.

Someone in the neighborhood reported the fire, Clements said.