The Roanoke Rapids Fire Department this morning handed the investigation of a fire on Summit Avenue to the city’s police department due to extensive damage and the suspicious nature of the blaze.

The call came in shortly before 12:15 this morning as a shots fired call, according to the alert system used by the fire department.

Police Chief Bobby Martin said the victim of the house fire saw someone trying to set his truck on fire and fired shots at the person.

The person or persons were still able to set fire to the single-story wood house in the 300 block. Martin said investigators believe the fire was deliberately set and investigation continues.

Fire Chief Jason Patrick said when firefighters arrived they saw heavy fire and smoke showing from the windows.

It took firefighters between 15-20 minutes to get the fire under control and they remained on the scene until around 4 this morning.

The point of origin is currently undetermined and what was used to set the fire is currently unknown.

Patrick said firefighters deemed the house a total house with an estimated $45,000 in damages to the structure and contents.

Eight on-duty firefighters and five off-duty firefighters responded along with Roanoke Valley Rescue Squad, Halifax County EMS and the police department.

No one was injured in the fire, Patrick said.