Multiple Businesses Burn in Historic W.Va. Town
Source The Frederick News-Post, Md.
July 23--Fire crews remaining at the scene of a fire in Harpers Ferry this morning are working to check for remaining hot spots, but the fire has been extinguished, a Frederick County fire official said around 10 a.m.
Firefighters from Jefferson County, West Virginia, Loudon County, Virginia and Frederick and Washington counties in Maryland were among the crews that responded to the fire in the town's business district early Thursday morning.
At least two buildings were damaged in the blaze, was reported just after 3 a.m. Thursday in the 100 block of High Street.
Four units from the Jefferson and Adamstown fire companies were dispatched to help fight the fire at 3:29 a.m., a short time after the emergency call was received by the Jefferson County, West Virginia Emergency Communications Center.
Additional Frederick County units from Braddock Heights, Spring Ridge, Emmitsburg and New Market were dispatched around 7 a.m. to provide relief and extra manpower.
The units will probably remain on scene for a few hours as cleanup continues, said Lt. Keith Hubble, a spokesman for the Frederick County Division of Fire and Rescue Services.
The fire caused delays at the Harper's Ferry MARC station. The Maryland Transit Administration encouraged commuters to board trains at the Duffield station or Brunswick.
Jefferson County Homeland Security and Emergency Management issued a boil water notice for lower town Harpers Ferry.
Harpers Ferry Mayor Gregory Vaughn told The Associated Press the fire destroyed seven to eight businesses in one building and damaged an adjacent restaurant. No one was injured.
The buildings were constructed in the 1800s. The commercial area is adjacent to Harpers Ferry National Historic Park.
The cause of the fire has not been determined.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Follow Danielle E. Gaines on Twitter: @danielleegaines.
Copyright 2015 - The Frederick News-Post, Md.
