West Virginia, October 2, 2025

News Summary

A troubling series of fatal fires and an explosion are under investigation across West Virginia. Officials urge residents to remain cautious after multiple incidents result in casualties, including an elderly woman and another male victim in hospital. The State Fire Marshal, along with local fire departments, is actively investigating the causes amid growing concerns among the community.

West Virginia Witnesses Series of Fatal Fires and Explosion Under Investigation

Multiple deadly incidents involving fires and an explosion are currently under investigation across West Virginia, with authorities urging residents to remain cautious. On October 1, a house fire in Prosperity, Newberry County, prompted local officials to advise residents to avoid Grant Drive. The Fairview O’Neal Fire Department, alongside other fire units, was actively responding to the situation early in the morning.

In a tragic incident on Saturday afternoon, a house fire in Prosperity, Raleigh County, resulted in the death of an elderly woman. The fire occurred at a residence on Vireo Lane, which sustained extensive damage; however, the cause of the fire remains undetermined.

Another significant event unfolded on Sunday at approximately 3 p.m. when a home explosion occurred on Kramer Drive in Clarksburg, Harrison County. Following the explosion, one male victim was rescued but sadly passed away overnight at the hospital. In response, authorities evacuated a five-block radius surrounding the explosion site while the State Fire Marshal’s Office began investigating the cause, in collaboration with the Clarksburg Fire Department.

On the same evening, around 6:30 p.m., a fatal fire outside Parkersburg claimed the life of a 65-year-old woman. Although the cause of this fire is classified as undetermined, it is believed to be accidental. The following morning, another fire broke out in the Prenter area of Boone County on Prenter Road in Seth, resulting in yet another fatality. As of now, the age and gender of this victim have not been disclosed.

All victims from these unfortunate incidents have been sent to the West Virginia State Medical Examiner’s Office for identification and autopsy purposes. Adding to the growing number of incidents, late Friday night saw a vacant house fire erupt at 107 Hargrove Street, with flames reportedly reaching 50 feet into the air. Fire crews responded to the call around 12:30 a.m. Fortunately, the house was unoccupied, although it had previously experienced issues with squatters.

Captain Canterbury indicated that there was no power to the vacant house, making electrical issues unlikely as a cause of the fire. The blaze did spread to an adjacent occupied home, but damage was minimal, and there were no injuries reported. Investigations regarding the origin of the fire at Hargrove Street are ongoing.

Summary of Recent Incidents

• October 1: House fire in Prosperity, Newberry County – residents advised to avoid Grant Drive.
• Saturday Afternoon: House fire in Prosperity, Raleigh County – elderly female victim deceased.
• Sunday Afternoon: Explosion on Kramer Drive, Clarksburg – evacuated five-block radius; male victim died in hospital.
• Sunday Evening: Fire outside Parkersburg – 65-year-old female victim deceased; cause deemed undetermined.
• Monday Morning: Fatal fire in Prenter, Boone County – age and gender of victim unknown.
• Friday Night: Vacant house fire on Hargrove Street – minimal damage to nearby occupied home; cause under investigation.

Ongoing Investigations

The authorities are currently focused on unraveling the causes behind these fires and the explosion as they work with multiple fire departments throughout the state. The recent pattern of events has raised concerns among residents, who are being urged to stay alert and take necessary precautions.

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Additional Resources

• ABC Columbia
• My Buckhannon
• WVNS TV
• WOAY News
• WLWT
• Wikipedia: Fire
• Google Search: Fire Incidents in West Virginia
• Wikipedia: Explosion
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Fire
• Google News: West Virginia Fires

Author: STAFF HERE NEWBERRY

The NEWBERRY STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENewberry.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Newberry, Newberry County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Newberry Opera House performances, Newberry Arts Fest, and the Newberry County Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Newberry County Chamber of Commerce and the Newberry Museum, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and agriculture that power the local economy such as Amick Farms and Newberry Mills. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.