HARRISON, WV (LOOTPRESS) – Two Wednesday fires at churches in the Harrison area of Clay County have devastated members and caused the state Fire Marshal’s Office to request help from the public.
People’s Community Church of Flat Fork has been ruled a total loss. A second fire broke out at nearby Flat Fork Baptist Church shortly after the first. It’s believed that the fire started in the basement. Flat Fork Baptist sustained only minor damage, officials said.
The Clay, Big Otter, and Birch River volunteer fire departments responded to the fires. No injuries were reported.
Deputy State Fire Marshal Jason Baltic said the investigation into these fires could take up to six months to complete. He issued the following statement:
“On Wednesday, September 29, investigators from the West Virginia State Fire Marshal’s Office responded to the Harrison area of Clay County, after a report of two separate church fires located within one mile of each other. The fires also occurred within one hour of each other. After examining both fire scenes, investigators determined the latter fire to be incendiary in cause. The cause of the initial fire is currently undetermined. Both fires remain under investigation.”
He added, “Anybody, any person that seems odd or acting suspicious, definitely take note of it and call the fire marshal’s office”.
That toll-free number is 800-233-3473.