Firefighters Battle Christmas Morning Fire

12/25/2013 – Firefighters battled an early morning Christmas fire that left a Parkersburg couple without a home. Around 10:30 Wednesday morning, firefighters were dispatched to 2607 Beech St, for a garage apartment fire. A passerby had noticed smoke coming from the residence and called 9-1-1.

The first arriving engine reported a working fire with heavy smoke showing from a two story garage apartment. Upon entry, firefighters encountered the bulk of the fire in the kitchen area.

The fire was brought under control in about 15 minutes, but not before it had caused nearly $45,000 in damage.

The occupants had left to visit family in Harrisville, when the Wood County 9-1-1 Center notified them.

“Since the occupant was not home, there was a significant delay in the fire being reported. The fire was well advanced before firefighters were notified,” said Fire Chief Eric Taylor.

The residence was occupied by Shawn and Tammy Fullerton, which lost most of their possessions due to heat and smoke damage. They will be assisted by family and friends.

Fire investigators have determined that the fire originated in the kitchen area, but the cause remains undetermined.

Most of the structural damage was contained to the kitchen, but there was substantial heat and smoke damage throughout. One dog and two cats perished due to smoke inhalation.