Fire at Small Mall Building, Philippi

A fire broke out tonight at the Small Mall building in Philippi, West Virginia, prompting a swift response from the Belington, Junior, and Philippi fire departments, and Belington EMS. The incident, which originated as a kitchen fire, quickly escalated as flames spread to the building's insulation.

The fire, reported around 8 p.m., was attended by coordinated efforts from multiple fire departments to bring it under control, working diligently to contain the situation and prevent further damage to the structure. The exact extent of the damage is yet to be determined as authorities continue to assess the situation.

In the midst of the firefighting efforts, safety precautions were taken to ensure the well-being of the community. As a precautionary measure, the Philippi City Gym, located adjacent to the Small Mall building, was evacuated. The quick response from local emergency services helped mitigate the potential impact on nearby structures and ensured the safety of residents in the vicinity.

Residents and business owners in the area are urged to remain vigilant and stay informed as authorities work to assess the aftermath of the fire. The investigation into the incident is underway, and updates will be provided as more information becomes available.