CHARLESTON, W.Va. — An air quality sample has resulted in Parkersburg authorities declaring the scene of a fire at the old Ames lawn and garden plant a disaster area.
The fire, which started about 1 a.m. on the western side of the plant, burned all day Saturday.
Black smoke has been billowing over the Parkersburg area because of a fire at the old Ames lawn and garden tools plant in Parkersburg. Multiple fire departments have been called to the scene.
Fallout from the blaze is considered harmful. The Wood County Commission said in an announcement those in the area should avoid smoke exposure as much as possible. The West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection is reviewing the test results to determine exactly how harmful the fallout is.
Several local events had to be postponed Saturday due to the fire. Parkersburg Catholic and Williamstown High School’s football game. Also, a women’s soccer match between Ohio Valley University and Ursiline has been put on hold as a precaution.