Fire Under Market Street Bridge in Wheeling Still Under Investigation
Shelley Hanson
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WHEELING - The Wheeling Fire Department is still investigating what caused a fire to occur underneath the Market Street bridge in downtown Wheeling.
The bridge remains closed following the fire that happened about 11:30 p.m. Tuesday. A homeless encampment was located underneath the bridge.
"Fire investigators have not yet determined what happened. They are working to find out who was under the bridge, but at this time have not been successful in locating any individuals," Philip Stahl, spokesman for the Wheeling Fire Department, said Friday.
Stahl said those who have any information regarding who may have been under the bridge can call the WFD's Bureau of Fire Investigations at 304-234-3770.
Stahl added that the fire department's two full-time fire investigators have the authority to arrest suspects if a fire is determined to be a criminal act. They work in conjunction with the Wheeling Police Department and Ohio County Prosecutor's Office.
The West Virginia Division of Highways is in charge of inspecting the bridge and determining when it can reopen to traffic.
"The bridge inspection timeline is up to the WVDOH. I do not know when the thorough inspection will happen. Until then, it's closed indefinitely. There was significant heat and flame damage to the north end of the bridge," Stahl said.
Stahl noted previously the fire started with items that were at the encampment. No one was injured in the blaze.
While the bridge remains closed, motorists are asked to use the Main or Chapline Street bridges.