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There have been two large condo fires in Monongalia County in the last eight months.
Story by Lauren Hills
MORGANTOWN -- All fires are not created equal.
"They're a lot more problematic, a lot more dangerous," said Morgantown Fire Chief Dave Fetty. He said fires in condominiums sometimes present the biggest challenges.
"When you have these types, then you have to put your manpower into a life saving mode rather than an attack on the fire," he said.
In June, a massive blaze at Suncrest Village destroyed four buildings and caused millions of dollars in damage. No one was hurt.
On Friday night, a fire engulfed two condos on Greystone Drive in Cheat Lake. It started in one building and spread to the second.
"I always say pick a point where you know you can save and work backwards to what you think you can save," he said.
He said if crews attack the fire itself, they end up chasing the fire and not getting ahead of it. Because firefighters worked backward on Friday night, they were able to save one of the adjoining condos.
Authorities said the cause of the Suncrest Village fire is "undetermined", but the case remains open and agents are still looking for information.
An official with the State Fire Marshal's office is set to inspect the scene on Tuesday morning. |
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