photo by: Ed Parsons

Firefighters try to extinguish flames from a fire that started Thursday at Riggenbach Tile and Carpet in New Martinsville.

As many as four buildings were a total loss and at least two more sustained heat damage after a fire that started near Riggenbach Tile and Carpet on Third Street in New Martinsville.

According to fire crews at the scene, the fire began around 10 a.m. Thursday and crews spent much of the afternoon battling back the flames and keeping them from spreading north. As they were trying to extinguish the flames inside, the fire erupted through the roof, which collapsed.

Heat became intense about 150 feet away from the structure. A neighbor said the was a large explosion when the fire started, and it took a while to get the gas turned off. Among the buildings destroyed were the business’ main building and a large warehouse beside it.

Fire officials said the blaze could have started from a space heater that was in an apartment owned by Riggenbach. The Moundsville, Sardis, Paden City, New Martinsville and Clarington fire departments answered the call.

One firefighter was treated for burns.