Additional Coverage:
Firefighters Continue to Battle Large Warehouse Blaze in Parkersburg, West Virginia
A significant fire is ongoing at the Peoples Cartage, Inc. warehouse located on Camden Avenue in Parkersburg, prompting local authorities to issue a shelter-in-place order for nearby residents. The advisory encompasses the area between Route 50 and Interstate 77, extending from Camden Avenue to 7th Street. Residents are also urged to avoid the Camden Avenue vicinity to allow emergency personnel to operate safely.
The fire originated on Saturday when cardboard boxes inside the warehouse ignited. Although firefighters initially extinguished the flames, the fire reignited early Sunday morning and has since spread to include three adjoining warehouses, according to reports from WTAP.
As of Sunday, officials report the fire remains uncontrolled. Fire crews are drawing water from the nearby river to combat the blaze, and three additional pumps are en route from Pittsburgh to support firefighting efforts. Eastwood Fire Chief Ron Utt stated that the flames have been contained to the rear section of the facility, expressing cautious optimism that the fire will not spread further.
Concerns about air quality have been raised due to the storage of primarily plastic materials within the building. Chief Utt described the smoke as “somewhat toxic” and advised residents in the affected area to avoid inhaling it whenever possible. The West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection is on site conducting air quality tests to analyze the smoke’s composition and assess potential health risks, including in downwind areas toward Ritchie County.
The response is being led by the Lubeck Volunteer Fire Department, with support from over a dozen surrounding fire departments, including those from Parkersburg, Washington Bottom, Blennerhassett, Mineral Wells, Waverly, Eastwood, Pond Creek, Deerwalk, Belmont, Vienna, Ellenboro, Ravenswood, and Smithville. Additionally, the Marietta Fire Department has a boat on standby to assist if necessary.
Governor Patrick Morrisey visited the scene Sunday morning and affirmed that state resources are fully engaged in supporting local responders. He highlighted the arrival of multiple fire units from the region and noted that environmental testing is underway to provide timely updates on air quality conditions.
Meanwhile, the American Red Cross of the Ohio River Valley is prepared at the Wood County Resiliency Center to offer assistance to anyone impacted by the fire.
Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely as firefighting efforts persist. Residents in the area should remain alert to updates and follow any safety advisories issued by officials.