Governor Patrick Morrisey has declared a state of emergency for Wood County, West Virginia, to combat a massive warehouse fire in Parkersburg. The fire at the Peoples Cartage, Inc facility, which reportedly rekindled Sunday morning, has mobilized state agencies to manage public safety and monitor potential environmental impacts.
Why was a state of emergency declared in Wood County?
According to a press release from Morrisey’s office, the declaration allows state agencies to provide all available resources necessary to support local response efforts. The move aims to protect public safety and respond to potential environmental impacts resulting from the blaze.
“Protecting the people of Wood County and supporting the brave first responders on the scene are our top priorities,” Morrisey said in the release. He noted that the emergency status ensures every available state resource remains ready to assist local officials for as long as necessary.
What is the current status of the Parkersburg warehouse fire?
The fire is currently burning through the Peoples Cartage, Inc warehouse on the south side of Parkersburg. While the fire reportedly started Saturday morning, it rekindled in the early hours of Sunday morning, causing significant smoke that could be seen from a distance.
More than 100 local, town, city, county, and state personnel are currently at the scene. This includes representatives from over two dozen agencies, including the West Virginia Fire Marshal, West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection, and Homeland Security and Emergency Management.
Wood County 911 dispatchers confirmed that workers inside the building were evacuated, and no injuries have been officially reported. While there are no active evacuation orders for nearby homes or businesses, the public is encouraged to stay away from the area to allow crews to work.
“Right now the focus is on trying to control, and ultimately put the fire out and assess what’s coming out of there,” Morrisey said.
How are authorities managing safety and environmental risks?
The West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection is conducting air quality monitoring around the incident. Morrisey’s office stated the DEP requested and received additional air monitoring support from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), which is en route to assess the situation.
The Wood County Sheriff’s Office has established a secure perimeter that bans all non-authorized personnel and non-first responders from entering the area. According to deputies, the boundaries extend from Elder Street down to the Little Kanawha River, from Elder Street moving down Camden Street to Murray Lane, and along the Little Kanawha River between Elder Street and Murray Lane.
Which areas and roads are affected by the incident?
Multiple roads in the vicinity are currently closed, including Camden Avenue and Rayon Drive. While traffic along Route 95 has been affected by the incident, dispatchers noted that the road is not closed.
Wood County Emergency Management has established a command center at the scene. Additionally, the Salvation Army is on-site to provide food, water, and support to the emergency response crews.
As the fire is being fought, officials may continue to monitor air quality closely. The presence of the EPA on the scene suggests that long-term environmental assessments could follow the containment of the fire.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Are there any evacuation orders in place?
There are currently no active evacuation orders for nearby businesses or homes. - What is being monitored at the scene?
The West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection and the EPA are conducting air quality monitoring. - Is anyone injured?
No injuries have been officially reported by dispatchers.
Will the environmental impact of the fire require long-term monitoring in the Parkersburg area?
