MORGANTOWN — In a Wednesday evening press release, the Morgantown Fire Department said Tuesday’s fire in Whitemoore Park remains under investigation.
“Upon arrival at the scene, units encountered an approximately two-acre ground fire at the end of Forest Avenue,” the release states.
“The incident commander called for an additional on-duty engine and ladder company and initiated a second alarm for off-duty firefighters. All on-duty personnel, including the MFD Fire Marshals division, were operating on scene while second-alarm firefighters responded to additional calls within the city.”
Firefighters cut fire lines and deployed hose lines to contain the fire, which was under control in about 30 minutes. Personnel remained on-scene until after 8 p.m. extinguishing “hot spots.”
BOPARC Executive Director Melissa Wiles said BOPARC is still awaiting its own update regarding the extent of the damage and the possible cause of the fire.
“We are asking that people avoid the trail from Valley Crossing to the top of Whitemoore Park until the cause can be further investigated and damage assessed,” Wiles said. “We also want to remind everyone that with the statewide burn ban still in place and the large amount of dry leaves in the area to please be careful and also report any fire activity to 911.”
Gov. Jim Justice issued a ban of all outdoor burning on Nov. 4 “to reduce the risk of catastrophic wildfires due to dry weather conditions, low water levels in communities, and fire activity.”
The order makes it unlawful for any person in the state to engage in outdoor burning, including fires built for camping, the burning of debris or warming.
In addition to the statewide burn ban, starting any fires within a city park outside of a grill is a violation of city code.
