Fire destroyed the utility room of a house at 101 Elm Street this morning, but firefighters were able to spare the rest of the dwelling.

Roanoke Rapids Fire Department Battalion Chief Jason Patrick said firefighters received the call around 10:30 this morning.

Firefighters from Station II observed light smoke coming from the house and found flames coming from the utility room making their way into the kitchen.

It took firefighters between 10 to 15 minutes to get the fire under control and keep it from spreading to the rest of the house, which sustained extensive smoke and heat damage. Patrick said it appears the house will be repairable.

The Red Cross was dispatched for housing assistance for the residents, who will be displaced by the fire. No one was injured.

Patrick said it appeared the fire started in the area of the dryer but could not give an exact cause.