MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — A daycare had to be evacuated and a number of Monongalia County roads were closed as the result of a gas line fire.
Just before 4 p.m., multiple crews were called to Suncrest Furniture on Chestnut Ridge Road for an active fire.
Upon arriving on scene, firefighters were heard on scanner traffic advising they discovered a gas leak with potential exposure issues for first responders.
There was no fire in the day care or the furniture store.
Within minutes, Monongalia Homeland Security and Emergency Management Agency announced the closure or WV 705 in both directions. The closure begins at the roundabout on one end.
Chestnut Ridge Road between Willowdale and Stewart Street were also impacted.
Drivers were encouraged to avoid the area until further notice.
Toys and Tots Daycare on Chestnut Ridge Rd. had to be evacuated. The Monongalia County Sheriff’s Department advised children were bused to the Residence Inn on Willowdale Road where they could be picked up by parents.
Adding to Friday evening congestion, downtown Morgantown hosts a 5 p.m. Veterans Day Parade on High Street. Both University High and Morgantown High School have 7 p.m. football games. The Mountaineers play at the coliseum at 7 p.m.