SOPHIA, WV (LOOTPRESS) – The Sophia Area Volunteer Fire Department has opened an emergency warming station Sunday night, Dec. 14, 2025, in response to severe winter weather and a statewide State of Preparedness declaration.
The warming station is located at 463 Robert C. Byrd Drive in Sophia and is operating overnight from 9:30 p.m. to 5 a.m.
The facility is providing a safe, heated environment with seating and basic refreshments for residents who need shelter from the extreme cold.
Fire department officials said the decision to open the station follows Governor Patrick Morrisey’s declaration of a State of Preparedness for West Virginia, which aims to ensure communities are ready to respond to hazardous winter conditions and plunging temperatures.
The Sophia Area Volunteer Fire Department encourages anyone in need of warmth or overnight shelter to take advantage of the service.
Community members are also being urged to check on neighbors, particularly elderly residents and others who may be vulnerable during the cold weather.
“Our priority is the safety and well-being of our residents. By opening this warming station, we are ensuring that no one in our community is left without a safe place during these freezing conditions,” said the Sophia Area Volunteer Fire Department leadership.
For additional information, residents can contact Assistant Safety Officer Natasha Smith at 336-399-1193, Safety Officer Michelle Taylor at 304-890-3020, or email tsmithsavfd115@outlook.com.
