Fire Destroys Pocahontas Street Home; Woman Injured, 3 Dogs Perish

November 27, 2022

Mountaineer News

Our Community

UPDATED: November 27, 2022

BUCKHANNON - A fire engulfed a two-story structure at 172 Pocahontas Street at approximately 7:00am early Sunday morning. The fire occurred less than a block away from Upshur County EMS.

Initial reports stated that the woman was being life flighted, but aeromedical evacuation Services were grounded due to inclement weather and visibility. She was transported via ambulance to the West Penn Burn Center in Pittsburgh. Three dogs also perished in the blaze. The woman is expected to make a full recovery.

According to statements issued by the Buckhannon Fire Department, three firefighters were also injured; one firefighter was taken to St. Joseph's Hospital to be monitored for smoke inhalation; the other two did not sustain serious injuries.

The State Fire Marhsal's Office will arrive on-scene tomorrow (Monday, November 28th) to investigate the cause of the fire.

According to family friend, Kelsey Wilson (via a GoFundMe campaign set up for the family):

“Hi, I’m raising money for my best friend’s mother and family who lost their house and belongings to a fire early on the morning of November 27th. Her mom was life flighted to Pittsburgh with 2nd and 3rd degree burns. Her sister and her sister’s infant daughter were able to evacuate the home safely. They had *4 dogs, and sadly they did not survive,” Wilson wrote. "I’m hoping the community can pull through and donate even a little to try and help them get back on their feet."

To donate via the GoFundMe page, CLICK HERE.

This is a developing news story. We'll keep you up-to-date as more information becomes available.

*Erratum: We initially reported that 4 dogs had perished in the fire per family friend Kelsey Wilson. The information has since been updated by City officials and the GoFundMePage to reflect that 3 dogs perished.