Plumes of thick black smoke have plagued the sky after a warehouse in West Virginia erupted into flames.
The massive fire broke out at Peoples Cartage, Inc warehouse on Camden Avenue in Parkersburg on Sunday, according to emergency responders.
Wood County Emergency Management said the fire initially began Saturday when cardboard boxes caught fire, local outlet WTAP reported.
The fire was brought under control Saturday before it rekindled Sunday. All staff inside the building were safely evacuated, per the Marietta Times.
‘It’s being treated as an all-county fire so we have representatives or members from all of our county agencies,’ a Wood County 911 Center supervisor told the outlet.
The plumes appeared to be drifting and were seen by bystanders along US Route 50 near the Erickson All Sports Facility, the volunteer department said.
Shocking photos released by the volunteer fire department showed thick smoke billowing into the sky, with orange flames tearing through the wooden building.
A firetruck and responders were seen in front of the burning building as officials urged residents to avoid the area.
Chilling photos show a massive fire that broke out in a wooden warehouse in West Virginia
The blaze ignited at at Peoples Cartage, Inc warehouse on Camden Avenue in Parkersburg
Locals shared harrowing photos of the smoke clouds plaguing the sky
Officials say they have not been able to contain the fire and no other updates have yet been released, WTAP reported.
West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey is set to visit the devastating site.
Wood County officials said several nearby roads, including Camden Avenue and Rayon Drive, are closed to traffic.
Locals in nearby areas shared harrowing photos and videos of the blaze on social media, voicing concerns about air quality and their safety.
One resident named Bailey posted a view of the smoke from their home, writing the plumes are ‘beginning to block out the sun in Parkersburg.’
Another video showed a panoramic view of the flames as the fire burned uncontrollably and smoke rose nonstop.
‘Here are some views from nearby, I’m too close for comfort,’ another local named Chadwick posted on social media.
Social media was flooded with prayers and support for the responding emergency crews.
The smoke is so thick it is seen covering and blocking out the sun
Nearby locals shared their concerns about air quality and safety on social media
‘Prayers to the men and women on this fire!’ One user wrote on Facebook.
‘Hoping everyone stays safe as this tragedy unfolds,’ another said.
‘Thank you to the firemen EMS workers and police department all coordinating to make our city safe thank you for your service’ another per son added.
Daily Mail reached out to Wood County 911 for comment.
