WHITESVILLE, WV (LOOTPRESS) – The Whitesville Fire Department says a fire that broke out Monday evening destroyed the Armstrong Funeral Home on Coal River Road.
According to the department, firefighters were alerted at 5:39 p.m. on November 10 to reports of black smoke coming from the building.
“When units arrived on scene, they found a working structure fire with heavy smoke coming from all openings of the structure,” the department said.
Crews from Racine Fire Department responded automatically for mutual aid, and additional fire departments from Boone and Raleigh counties were called in for tanker and manpower support.
Firefighters initially entered the building for an interior attack, but “while attempting to locate the source, fire conditions rapidly declined requiring personnel to withdraw from the structure.”
Multiple exposures were protected, and the blaze was contained to the original building. The West Virginia State Fire Marshal’s Office is investigating the cause.
“This is a greatly felt loss for the town of Whitesville and our beloved community. Our thoughts are with those affected by this incident,” the department said.
Chief Matthew Lively extended gratitude to all who assisted, including the Boone County Ambulance Authority, several volunteer fire departments, Marfork Coal Company, and local businesses and individuals who supported firefighters throughout the night.
