FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 20, 2024

Morgantown Fire Department Responds to Fatal Structure Fire on Wells St.

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. - At approximately 8:26 a.m. on Wednesday, March 20, the Morgantown Fire Department responded to a fatal structure fire at 727 Wells St. after a 911 call indicated that the property was engulfed in smoke.

The structure fire resulted in two fatalities.

When Engine 1 arrived on the scene, heavy smoke obscured the visibility of the property, with fire emanating from the basement and first floor.

Lieutenant Jenkins immediately established incident command and applied personnel assets into operation. The fire was quickly extinguished with no reported difficulties.

When the smoke abated and firefighters searched the building, two fatalities were discovered.

The structure at 727 Wells St. has been vacant and condemned since September 6, 2023, when a gas explosion occurred at the residence.

On the scene with the Morgantown Fire Department were detectives from the Morgantown Police Department, Monongalia EMS, and West Virginia state fire marshal personnel.

A firefighter sustained minor injuries while establishing water supply from a fire hydrant, but he was assessed by Monongalia EMS and swiftly returned to work.

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