Fire crews from three West Virginia counties rushed to a building at Swierkos Enterprises in the Washington Lands area just south of Moundsville early Sunday morning. The fire was reported at 11:36 a.m. on School Road, prompting an immediate response from Marshall, Wetzel and Belmont county fire departments.
Rapid multi‑county response
Firefighters from all three counties worked together as the flames quickly engulfed the structure. By the time the blaze was under control, the combined effort had prevented further spread to adjacent properties. Officials confirmed that there are no remaining hot spots at the site.
Road closure and shelter‑in‑place order
The intensity of the fire forced West Virginia Route 2 to close in both directions through the Washington Lands corridor. The closure was lifted later in the day after the fire was contained, allowing traffic to resume normal flow.
Because of heavy smoke drifting from the fire, a shelter‑in‑place order was issued for the Washington Lands, Round Bottom and Roberts Ridge neighborhoods. Residents were advised to stay indoors, keep windows closed and use air filtration if possible. The order was lifted once smoke levels decreased and air quality improved.
Impact on local school
Washington Lands Elementary School, located nearby, will shift to remote learning for Tuesday. The district announced the temporary change to ensure student safety while the area clears the lingering smoke.
Community response
Local officials praised the coordinated effort of the three fire departments, noting that the swift action helped protect nearby homes and keep the main highway open for emergency vehicles. Residents expressed relief that the shelter‑in‑place order was brief and that the fire was fully extinguished without injuries.
The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of regional cooperation in emergency situations, especially in areas where multiple jurisdictions border one another. Authorities continue to monitor the site for any signs of re‑ignition and will keep the public informed of any further developments.
Original reporting: WCHS Eyewitness News Charleston (local) — read the source article.
