WAR, W.Va. — A fire in McDowell County early Thursday morning began at the War Hotel but spread to an adjoining apartment building.
The blaze began around 3:30 a.m. Thursday morning, destroying the hotel and spreading to what used to be the old Sears building, which is now used for apartments.
Everyone made it out safely. Firefighters from War, Berwind Bishop, Raysal and Welch worked to extinguish the blaze at the second structure in the earling morning hours Thursday, eventually pumping river water to fight the fire.
The fire caused dense smoke across downtown War, closing Riverview High School and Southside School for the day.
War Mayor Carolyn “Kitten” Cempella said there were no plans to cancel the War Fall Festival on Sept. 9 and 10.