The Register-Herald, Beckley, West Virginia

Today's Front Page

Related Photos

  • Mount Hope firefighters work on putting out the flames of a log home as the roof collapses on Monday night. The residence, located on Joplin Lane off North Sandbranch Road, was destroyed in the blaze. Firefighters had to traverse icy roads to reach the scene. The fire department received the call at 8:47 p.m. and by the time crews arrived the structure was engulfed in flames. No injuries were reported. Chris Tilley/The Register-Herald

    Joplin Lane house fire
February 22, 2012

Weather hinders fire departments called to Joplin Lane blaze

By Sarah Plummer Register-Herald Reporter

Firefighters struggled against the winter ice when a log cabin on Joplin Lane, off North Sand branch Road, burned Monday night, said Bradley-Prosperity Fire Chief Bruce James.

The fire department received the call at 8:47 p.m., but the structure was located on a dirt road on a hill in a wooded area and fire trucks had a hard time maneuvering the wet and frozen lane, said James.

“One truck went as far as it could and we had to run a line up the hill about 150 feet to fight the fire,” he explained.

Mount Hope and Pax fire departments also responded to the scene.

James said firefighters believe the fire originated in a faulty wood stove.

The home, a 3,000-square-foot, two-story log cabin, was a total loss, he said.

No one was injured in the fire, but James said the husband and wife were lucky to get out unharmed.

The terrain proved even more difficult as the fire departments tried to leave the scene.

The edge of a creek bank gave way and a Mount Hope fire engine slid down into the ditchline and a wrecker had to be called, he said.

“We had the wrecker on standby; we thought we were going to need them to get out too, but we finally got out OK,” said James.

Firefighters cleared the scene at 1:15 a.m. Tuesday.

— E-mail: splummer@register-herald.com

Text Only
Today's Front Page
  • FvilleVigil1 Fayetteville candlelight vigil

    Community members and local chuch leaders gathered Sunday evening for a Memorial Day candlelight vigil at Huse Memorial Park and Mausoleum in Fayetteville.

    May 28, 2012 2 Photos

  • 52nd season for Outdoor Dramas to begin June 12

    Theatre West Virginia’s 52nd season will be “Where Legends Live,” focusing on bringing to life West Virginia’s history and local legends.

    May 28, 2012

  • W.Va. political leaders honor nation’s veterans

    From snow-laden Valley Forge to the battered walls of the Alamo, on the blood-stained beaches of the French coastline, in the frigid mountains of Korea and the steamy jungles of Vietnam, and the blistering sands of Iraq and Afghanistan, there is one constant: American heroism.

    May 28, 2012

  • Bodies believed to be missing family found in woods

    Four bodies recovered from a wooded area in Nicholas County near Carl, off Brushy Meadow Creek Road, Saturday are believed to be a missing family from Rainelle, reported First Sgt. Michael Baylous, public information officer for the West Virginia State Police.

    May 27, 2012

  • founder1 Founder’s Day celebrates city’s history

    Coordinators were pleased with the number of people who attended the fourth annual Founder’s Day at Beckley’s founding father’s estate, now the Wildwood Museum.

    May 27, 2012 2 Photos

  • auction NIE Auction and Flea Market coming Saturday

    With more than 200 items to be auctioned off and more than 100 flea market vendors, no one will have to go home empty-handed at Saturday’s 17th annual Newspapers in Education Auction.

    May 27, 2012 1 Photo

  • wvsom WVSOM holds 35th commencement

    More than 170 freshly minted physicians walked across the stage Saturday morning during the 35th annual commencement ceremony at the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine.

    May 27, 2012 1 Photo

  • Beckley’s Founder’s Day a success

    Coordinators were pleased with the number of people who attended the fourth annual Founder’s Day at Beckley’s founding father’s estate, now the Wildwood Museum.

    May 26, 2012

  • WVSOM has 35th annual commencement ceremony

    More than 170 freshly minted physicians walked across the stage Saturday morning during the 35th annual commencement ceremony at the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine.

    May 26, 2012

  • school A fun day at school

    Students who participated in a school fundraiser at Cranberry-Prosperity Elementary School sprayed their principal Becky Smith during a hot Friday. Smith was decked out in flippers, goggles and floaties during the fun. Smith paraded past students as they drenched her with water guns.

    May 26, 2012 1 Photo