Approximately 52 residents have been affected by a fire that ripped through a Morgantown apartment complex Friday morning causing damage to 18 units. The cause of the fire is thought to be a lightning strike that hit the building during thunderstorms.
At around 12:30 a.m., crews with the Star City Volunteer Fire Department were called to the scene of the blaze in building 500 of The Lofts apartment complex off West Run Road, close to the Van Voorhis Road intersection.
Four additional companies — Brookhaven VFD, Cassville VFD, Westover VFD and Morgantown Fire Department — were called to help douse the flames.
“On the top floor there was extensive damage into the attic, where a lot of the roof was completely burnt off, but the fire was contained to the top two apartments,” said Donnie Goodwin, assistant chief of the Star City VFD. “The rest of the apartments below the fire floor was just all water damage.”
Goodwin said firefighters who arrived on scene in the first engine did a quick primary search on the third floor, where the fire was and cleared it before starting fire suppression and clearing the remaining floors. No was injured in the blaze.
Crews were able to clear the scene at around 3:20 a.m., and about an hour later a small area reignited, but Goodwin said it was quickly extinguished.
A state fire marshal was on scene later Friday to confirm if lightning was the official cause.
Jason Keeling, executive director of the American Red Cross Central Appalachian Region, said they were notified by MECCA and five members of their disaster action team were made available to offer support to residents.
“The Red Cross is working with The Lofts apartment management to relocate those impacted,” Keeling said. “There were some vacant apartments that management has moved some of the population to; otherwise, hotel stays are being arranged.”
Many of the apartments are occupied by local college students who are on spring break this week, so the majority of residents affected were not home at the time.
Keeling said their team will also assist with immediate needs such as mental health services or replacement of any lost medical equipment or medications.
“Our team members are just trying to be a bright spot in what is a very difficult time for those impacted,” he said.
Keeling said while lightning is not a common cause of home fires, it shows that you never know when disaster might strike.
“Homes fires do happen more frequently than we might realize,” he said. “In fact, the Central Appalachian Region of the American Red Cross responded to over 850 home fires last year.”
Goodwin said smoke alarms played a part in everyone being evacuated safely during the overnight fire because they listened to their smoke alarms.
“The biggest thing is making sure people pay attention to their smoke alarms going off,” he advised. “Luckily a lot of the kids are on spring break and they weren’t there. A lot of people heard their smoke alarms go off — the ones that were there — and were able to get out. So, it’s important for people to keep their smoke alarms in working condition.”
Keeling agreed, stating, “It’s critical that people have working smoke alarms. If they don’t, they could be in danger. If a fire occurs, it’s estimated that no more than two minutes will allow for safe exit.”
If you are a victim of a home fire, Mark Lambert, Extension Fire Service director and assistant professor with WVU Extension, said, “Do not return to your home or apartment until the authorities tell you it is safe. Let the experts complete their work. Once it’s safe for you to return, they will let you know.”
Once you’ve been cleared to re-enter your residence, Lambert said to be aware of debris like loose nails, damaged furniture and burned, and/or wet material, as they can pose safety hazards.
“If you have homeowners’ or renters’ insurance, contact them as soon as possible,” he said.
If you would like to help the people affected by the fire at The Lofts and others in the area, Keeling said the best way is through monetary donation, which gives people the ability to use it for what they need most. Donations can be made online at redcross.org/donate or by calling the local Red Cross office at 304-598-9500.
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