Mountaineer Metals burns down in Pomeroy
POMEROY, Ohio – Five fire departments responded to a massive fire that engulfed Mountaineer Metals (old Midwest Steel building) late Saturday night and as of publication remain on scene.
Just after 11 p.m. on March 16, 2019 the fire quickly spread through the structure located on East Main Street near Powell’s Foodfair. The building was still in use and the contents included a couple of pallets of magnesium and scrap metal.
According to Pomeroy Fire Chief Rick Blaettnar, the State of Ohio Fire Marshal had been notified of the fire. As it is a commercial structure fire, it is procedure to have the state fire marshal involved with the investigation of the cause. No cause was given at the time. As of publication, multiple departments were still on the scene working to put the fire out. According to Chief Blaettnar, they would be on scene throughout the night. East Main Street has been closed and will remain closed through the night as firefighters continue to deal with the what remains of the structure.
A massive tower of flames could be seen coming from the structure with a pillar of smoke visible almost all the way to the Great Bend area.
Pomeroy Mayor Don Anderson was on scene as well and said equipment was being brought in in the morning to knock some of the walls in. The entire center of the structure was already gone, but the outer walls pose a potential hazard. Mayor Anderson said they would keep the road closed into Sunday morning at least. Mayor Anderson also added that no one was hurt to his knowledge as a result of the fire.
Chief Blaettnar credited the cooperation and professionalism of area departments for giving quick assistance and working together to battle the blaze. According to Chief Blaettnar, in addition to the Pomeroy Fire Department, Middleport, Rutland, Syracuse and Mason responded to the fire. Also responding was Meigs EMS, Meigs EMA, AEP, Pomeroy Police Department and Middleport Police Department.
The Meigs Independent Press will continue to update and cover this developing story.
Contributing to this story were Brent Rose, Madalyn Wood, and Rusty Fields.
Below is video of initial Meigs Independent Press coverage of the fire.
