EGLON – A weekend fire in the 3440 block of Seneca Trail in Eglon, Preston County, left one person dead and two needing help to rebuild their lives. The cause of the fire is undetermined and still under investigation, according to Jason Baltic, Chief Investigator for the West Virginia State Fire Marshal’s Office. The victim’s name has not yet been released. A woman and her son escaped the fire.
Mt. Grove Fire Chief Michael Roth said when the call came in an all-call page was sent out to all Preston County volunteer fire departments. He said Mt. Grove was first on the scene. Also responding was Aurora Fellowsville, Kingwood Rowlesburg, Terra Alta and Tunnelton. Roth said also responding was Company 40 from Oakland, Maryland, Company 120 from Gorman, Maryland, and Company 40 from Thomas. Union Ambulance and Terra Alta ambulance was also on hand.
“The house was 75% destroyed,” Roth said. “I believe they were able to get the refrigerator and freezer out. The washer and dryer was in a different area and might still be good.”
Justin Wolfe, Director of the Office of Emergency Management, said all 12 Preston County fire departments responded in some way. He said the ones that didn’t go to the scene of the fire stayed behind to respond to calls that might come in and cover for the ones that responded to the fire.
A post on the Mt. Grove Facebook page reads: “It is with great sadness we have to make this post about one of our community members and their family. A life was lost and family is displaced with almost a total loss of their home. If anyone would like to donate to this gofundme page ‘Support Anna After Tragic House Fire,’ or would like to donate any items directly to the family please send us a message and we can meet at our fire station to receive these donations. Also, there is a drop box behind our fire station on Rt. 24 where donations can be left. God Bless our community in this difficult time and please pray for the family.”
According to gofundme, the funds raised will go toward immediate living expenses, clothing, food, replacing essential belongings, and helping the surviving victims begin the long process of rebuilding their lives after this tragedy. The page has currently raised $19,268 of the $28,000 needed.
