MORGANTOWN — The firefighters of the South High Street Fire Station just had to round the corner of the station Wednesday evening, when they were called to a fire at a two-story building on Jefferson Court.
When they arrived, they found fire and smoke in the attic and called for a second-alarm response. The department said the fire was under control within 20 minutes, and no firefighters or residents were injured.
Investigators believe the fire was started by a lightning strike. Witnesses and a resident reported a bright flash and a loud explosion.
The department estimated there was $35,000 in damage but Beth Bossio, property manager for Eagle Realty, which owns the building, said they think it will end up costing more than that.
“The crew was amazing and helpful,” Bossio said of the firefighters. She said they went the extra step and put plywood over a hole in the roof to help prevent further damage from the rain.
The tenant whose home was damaged is being moved into another fully furnished place owned by Eagle Realty, Bossio said.
“We’re taking care of her,” she said.
The building’s other tenant is staying with family until the building is cleared for habitation, she said.
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