A massive warehouse fire burning in Parkersburg, West Virginia has prompted county officials to issue a shelter-in-place order for nearby residents, as dangerous levels of smoke-related particulate matter were detected in the surrounding area.
Wood County officials directed residents living within a half-mile of an air monitoring site north of the burning facility to remain indoors immediately. Authorities are urging everyone in the affected zone to keep all windows and doors shut and to closely follow instructions from local emergency management until the order is officially lifted.
The fire, involving highly polymerized rubber stored at the warehouse, has proven difficult to contain. Crews have been working around the clock battling the blaze, while state and federal environmental agencies remain on scene monitoring air quality conditions.
What Residents Need to Know
The West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 3 are actively stationed at the site, continuously adjusting air monitoring locations as wind direction and smoke conditions change. Officials have not yet confirmed when the shelter-in-place order will be lifted.
Anyone in the area experiencing difficulty breathing, eye irritation, or other health concerns is strongly encouraged to contact local health officials or emergency management for guidance.
Governor Issues Direct Warning
Governor Patrick Morrisey personally addressed the crisis, stating that the safety of Wood County residents remains the state’s top priority. He confirmed that West Virginia is working in close coordination with local, state, and federal partners to deploy all necessary resources as the emergency response continues.
The governor also publicly thanked the firefighters, law enforcement officers, EMS workers, and first responders who have been working tirelessly on the ground.
Residents are urged to stay alert, monitor official emergency channels for updates, and avoid the area entirely until authorities confirm it is safe to return to normal activity.
