A call of a major structure fire came in to the Wood County
911 Center Friday evening at approximately 4:53 p.m., according to Greg Collins of the Parkersburg Police Department.
The fire was at the old Ames Plant on
Camden Avenue, a company that once employed a number of Calhoun and regional residents.
The building is currently owned and operated
by Polymer Alliance Services and serves as a plastics
storage facility.
Eight fire departments responded with approximately 74
fire fighters. Six other departments were placed on
stand-by at their respective stations.
Initial estimates are that the actual fire was contained to
10% or less of this massive building, with smoke damage
believed to be substantially greater.
The fire was declared officially under control at
approximately 7:30 p.m. Fire fighters were continuing to
work on hot spots at 9:45 p.m.
Fire fighters battled against incredible smoke, roof
collapse potential, and fatigue before the fire was brought
under control, said Collins.
The West Virginia State Fire Marshals office has been called to investigate.
There were no injuries. The cause remains under
investigation. |