PRINCETON, WV (LOOTPRESS) – As a large portion of Mercer County worked to battle stormwater and high-level flooding conditions on Monday as a result of heavy rainfall, response crews in the Princeton area were tasked with taking on a notable structure fire at a local establishment.
The East River Volunteer Fire Department reports that, at around 5:48pm on Monday, May 29, 2023, the ERVFD was dispatched in response to heavy smoke observed in the area of Brickyard Road.
It was discovered that the smoke in question had come about as a result of an ongoing structure fire occurring at Fred and Jacks auto salvage. Upon arriving at the scene, ERVFD reports having observed a large, metal structure “with around 80% involvement of fire.”
Fire suppression efforts were immediately initiated as ERVFD Engine 1 arrived, and a 2 ½ blitz monitor was pulled as a result of the level of fire involvement and fuel.
ERVFD Engines 5 and 2 then made their was to the scene as multiple mutual aid departments arrived and began to engage in efforts to suppress the flames and to supply water.
A water shuttle operation was set into motion to ensure proper water flow from a fire hydrant reportedly located 4 to 5 miles away and requiring a 7-piece apparatus.
Responding units eventually contained the blaze, and a lengthy overhaul was initiated to ensure that all “hot spots” had been taken care of before the scene was cleared.
“A huge thanks to the dedicated volunteers of Bluestone Valley, Matoaka, Oakvale, and Green Valley Volunteer Fire Departments for the help and hard work to bring this situation under control,” read a statement from East River Volunteer Fire Department. “Teamwork makes the dream work.”