Community members are mobilizing to support a couple that lost their home and possessions earlier this week in a structure fire. A Wednesday afternoon fire first reported on the back porch of a residence on Ruppenthal Road in southeastern Morgan County destroyed that home and burned at least six outbuildings and several vehicles in the blaze.
Two adults were displaced by the loss, and at least two family pets were also reportedly lost in the fire.
According to a spokesperson for Morgan County 911, the fire was first reported by the female resident of the home at 1:17 p.m. on December 4. Several other calls reported the fire as well, stating that the back porch was ablaze.
Responders on the scene reported that the main residence, at least six outbuildings and a hay barn caught on fire during the incident.
Fire units from the quad-state region responded to the incident, with the last unit clearing the scene at 7:02 p.m.
During the multi-hour response, Assistant Chief Jackson from Frederick County, Va. was in command of the scene.
Emergency agencies that responded or assisted during the incident included fire units from Berkeley Springs, Great Cacapon, Needmore, Little Orleans, Reynolds Store, Gainesboro, Gore, Hedgesville, Back Creek, Beddington, Hancock, Clear Spring, Hampshire County and Franklin, Pa. Morgan County EMS, Morgan County Sheriff’s Department and Deputy Reserves and the Washington County Rehab Unit also responded to the fire, along with the West Virginia Division of Forestry and WV Division of Highways.
Parts of Ruppenthal, Lineaweaver and Springs Road were closed during the fire response.
Smoldering hay on Thursday morning sent responders back to the scene for reports of a rekindle of the fire.
Calls for assistance for the family displaced by the fire have circulated on social media, as the community attempts to help Frances and Brian Silvers, who lost their home and belongings in the blaze. Funding efforts have said that the Silvers didn’t have insurance to cover their losses, and that Frances Silvers left the residence without many possessions because she was attempting to save their pets.
Anyone wanting to donate clothing, gift cards or material goods for the Silvers can deliver donations to Teresa White at Perry Realty in downtown Berkeley Springs or donate funds through this online fundraiser:
