Numerous fire crews rushed to the Ziegenfelder Frozen Treat Co. building this morning in response to a structure fire.

Employees were evacuated quickly, and Wheeling Fire Department Public Information Officer Philip Stahl said no one was believed to be in danger or injured as of 11 a.m. Fire crews climbed ladder trucks to the roof of the building, where a large piece of equipment smoldered and smoked. Smoke covered much of the nearby 17th Street immediately after the start of the fire before winds dispersed it.

“It’s a very dangerous situation that’s unfolding,” Stahl said. “There’s ammonia inside this building, a lot of chemicals, a lot of pipes, freezing conditions. This is a very challenging situation.”

– 12:31 p.m. Ohio Valley Regional Transit Authority buses are being rerouted away from the scene of the fire. The 17th and 18th Street area is blocked to all traffic.

-12:35 p.m. Stahl said the fire, which is not yet contained, is now a 3rd alarm fire and the department is working with the Martins Ferry Fire Department and the Cumberland Trail Fire District.

– Wheeling Police have set up a two-block perimeter around the facility and are cautioning residents not to enter the area.

-Stahl also confirmed that he is not aware of any injuries from the fire.

-12:40 p.m. The Wheeling Clinic and West Virginia Northern Community College are closing because of their proximity to the fire scene.

– 12:54 p.m. Catholic Charities is being evacuated.

– 1:37 p.m. – Stahl said the fire, three hours in, is still not under control. “It’s a significant event that’s happening now still in East Wheeling,” he said.

Police closed down streets surrounding the fire, including Jacob Street and Wood Street south of 16th Street and all of 17th and 18th streets.

Police suggested people in the area shelter in place, Stahl said, and evacuation is not mandatory.

-1:58 p.m – The U.S. 250 southbound exit to 16th street and exit north to 18th street are closed for fire safety reasons.

-2:45 p.m. – Stahl said the fire was mostly contained to the office building on the 18th Street side. Road closures are still in effect.