Fire's cause still undetermined

Larry Chambers

Galax and Fries firefighters battled the blaze at a house on Feb. 18.

FRIES — Investigators are still working to determine the cause of a house fire on Eagle Bottom Road in Fries on Feb. 18.
The home belonged to Joseph Dale “George” Tate, who was being held in the regional jail at the time, on a charge of possessing methamphetamine with intent to distribute.
Vaughan said investigators haven't been able to determine whether a meth lab was involved in the fire, as rumored.
“We are still working it as a suspicious fire,” the sheriff said Monday. “Virginia State Police assisted us with the cause and origin investigation over the weekend.”
He expected to know more in the coming weeks, after the investigation is complete.
The Fries and Galax volunteer fire departments battled the blaze for more than an hour before bringing it under control. 
Tate and another man, Michael Lee Moss of Galax, were arrested in Galax three days before the fire and both charged for possession of meth.

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