ROANOKE TIMES 
                      Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times

DATE: Sunday, July 21, 1996                  TAG: 9607220099
SECTION: VIRGINIA                 PAGE: B-3  EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: JON CAWLEY 

VA. 666 HOME CATCHES FIRE

A Smith Mountain Lake waterfront home was engulfed in fire Saturday afternoon.

Five Smith Mountain Lake Volunteer Marine Fire Company boats responded to a single-story home on Virginia 666 owned by Douglas McDowall about 1:30 p.m., said Claude Webster, director of the Franklin County Department of Public Safety.

The fire was brought under control in about 45 minutes, Webster said.

"The homes in this area are upper-level homes, and it is not unusual for the homes to be in the $200,000 range," he said.

McDowall and some guests had left the residence for a boat excursion before the fire, Webster said. There were no injuries.

"The fire is still under investigation, but right now it appears to be accidental," Webster said.

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