MARLINTON, W.Va. – A massive fire broke out early Sunday morning, destroying an entire city block on Main Street.
First responder Robby Sharp said the fire ripped through several buildings.
“It’s about one city block. It probably involved four to five different buildings,” said Sharp, the Second Lt. with the Ambulance Authority.
He said the Marlinton Volunteer Fire Department got the call in the middle of the night.
“An apartment building and a retail store right on Main Street in Marlinton. It started about 3:30 this morning and has been going strong every since.”
Within a short time, the fire spread to two other buildings and crews attempted to save a fifth structure. At least 12 people have been displaced from the apartment building that was completely destroyed. The Red Cross was helping them find shelter.
Sharp said it took a dozen fire crews from around the region to get the blaze under control including every department in Pocahontas County.
“We’ve got fire departments from Randolph County, Greenbrier County, from all surrounding counties,” said Sharp.
The state Fire Marshal’s office was called in to investigate. As of Sunday, no cause had been identified in the blaze.
One firefighter has been taken to the hospital for exhaustion. His injury was not considered life-threatening.