Governor Patrick Morrisey

As firefighters continue working to contain the warehouse fire in Parkersburg, Governor Morrisey reminds residents that Wood County officials have issued a shelter-in-place order for residents within a one-half-mile radius of an air monitoring location north of the facility after elevated levels of smoke-related particulate matter were detected.

Residents in the affected area should follow the guidance of local emergency management officials until the order is lifted.

The West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection (WVDEP) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region 3 remain on the ground conducting air quality monitoring around the site. Air monitoring and monitoring locations will continue to be adjusted as conditions change.

Anyone with health concerns is encouraged to contact local health or emergency management officials for guidance.

The safety of the people of Wood County remains my highest priority. We are taking a cautious approach, working closely with our local, state, and federal partners, and providing every available resource necessary to protect the public while this response continues.

I also want to thank our firefighters, law enforcement officers, EMS personnel, and the many first responders who have been working around the clock to contain this fire and protect the surrounding community. Their courage, professionalism, and dedication have been extraordinary. Please continue following the guidance of local emergency officials as we work together to bring this incident to a safe conclusion.

Governor Patrick Morrisey has declared a State of Emergency for Wood County as firefighters continue battling the fire at the Peoples Cartage warehouse on Camden Avenue in Parkersburg. The declaration authorizes state agencies to provide all available resources necessary to support local response efforts, protect public safety, and respond to any potential environmental impacts.

"Protecting the people of Wood County and supporting the brave first responders on the scene are our top priorities," said Governor Patrick Morrisey. "This State of Emergency ensures every available state resource is ready to assist local officials for as long as necessary while we continue monitoring conditions and protecting nearby communities."

Governor Patrick Morrisey was on the ground in Parkersburg today, directing state resources and coordinating with local officials to support firefighters battling the fire at the Peoples Cartage warehouse on Camden Avenue.

The West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has deployed personnel from its Environmental Enforcement and Homeland Security and Emergency Response (HSER) divisions to the scene.

DEP personnel continue conducting air quality monitoring around the incident using portable monitors and have yet to detect any air quality readings requiring additional protective actions. The state has requested assistance from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, which has deployed additional air monitoring equipment. Environmental officials are evaluating any potential impacts from firefighting runoff into the nearby Little Kanawha River.

"People should know that we are taking this incident seriously and approaching it with an abundance of caution," said Governor Patrick Morrisey. "I appreciate the extraordinary work of our firefighters, law enforcement officers, emergency personnel, and environmental teams. We will continue supporting them until this fire is extinguished and the community is safe."

The Governor remains in constant communication with state officials as response efforts continue. State agencies will continue monitoring conditions and providing support to local responders. Updates will be provided as additional information becomes available. Residents are encouraged to follow guidance from local emergency officials and avoid the area while firefighting operations continue.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

A patriotic crowd gathered on the steps of the State Capitol today as Governor Morrisey delivered a powerful address marking America’s historic 250th anniversary.

"As we celebrate America's first 250 years, we should also be thinking about the next 250," said Governor Morrisey.

"What kind of West Virginia will we leave the generations that follow us? It must be a bright one. Forged by the spirit of grit in these mountains and the unshakable principles of our founders, West Virginia is building a future that advances freedom, embraces opportunity, and invests in our greatest asset - our people."

Governor Morrisey continued his statewide America250 tour with a stop in Bath, where he joined residents for the community's annual flag-raising ceremony to begin Independence Day festivities.

As communities across West Virginia gather to celebrate our nation's 250th anniversary, today's events honor the principles of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness that have united Americans since our founding.

The Governor's America250 tour continues throughout the day with stops in Ripley, Hurricane, and this evening's celebration at the State Capitol featuring a special tribute to veterans, active-duty service members, and Gold Star families before a performance by the West Virginia Symphony Orchestra, the America250 light show, and a fireworks spectacular.

Governor Morrisey began his Independence Day in historic Harpers Ferry, joining residents and local officials for a walk through one of America's most significant landmarks. The visit marked the first stop on the Governor's statewide Fourth of July tour celebrating America's 250th anniversary.

The celebration continues throughout the day with Ripley's Grand Parade and the Hurricane Fourth of July Parade before returning to the State Capitol for a special ceremony honoring veterans, active-duty service members, and Gold Star families.

Then you get to hear from the West Virginia Symphony Orchestra, enjoy the digital light show, and close out the night