All schools in Upshur County will close at 1 p.m. today. All B-UHS sporting events today are canceled.

No one injured in ‘suspicious’ Zeno Street barn blaze Wednesday

Buckhannon career firefighter Tanner Smith sprays water on a garage/barn building that erupted in flames just before 4:30 p.m. Wednesday. / Photo by Katie Kuba

BUCKHANNON – A Zeno Street barn was vacant and had no utilities hooked up to it when it erupted into flames Wednesday afternoon.

Career Firefighter First Class Tanner Smith told My Buckhannon that the Buckhannon Fire Department was dispatched to the structure fire at 9 Zeno Street at 4:24 p.m. Firefighters connected to a Main Street fire hydrant and were on scene in two minutes. Zeno Street is located off East Main Street, beside the Bicentennial Inn property.

An aerial view of the structure fire / Drone photo by Brian Bergstrom

The unoccupied garage/barn, which borders the Buckhannon River, was quickly engulfed in flames, which ravaged the building. Smith said no utilities, including electric or gas, were connected inside when the fire broke out.

Smith said the fire department couldn’t comment on the fire’s cause, and the incident will be turned over to the West Virginia State Fire Marshal’s Office for investigation. A press release from the City of Buckhannon called the fire ‘suspicious.’

Several witnesses reported hearing a large boom before the fire broke out.  

“There were no injuries to firefighters or civilians,” Smith added.

About 20 minutes after the call came in, the fire was under control and firefighters began conducting overhaul.

“That means we go through and dig out all the hot spots in the walls and ceilings so it doesn’t catch fire again,” Smith said.      

Firefighters remained on scene until about 6 p.m.

In addition to the BFD, the Washington Volunteer Fire Company, Adrian Volunteer Fire Department, Warren District Volunteer Fire Department, Buckhannon Police Department and Upshur EMS responded.

Part of Main Street was blocked off, enabling the fire department to run about 450 feet of hose from the hydrant to the building. The many bystanders, however, caused problems for firefighters and fire trucks trying to access the scene. Smith asked residents to please refrain from stopping when they see a fire or a motor vehicle accident.

“We had a lot of problems with people standing in the road and showing up on scene,” Smith said. He said first responders need to be able to access emergency scenes as quickly and efficiently as possible for the best outcome.

Water gushes off a Zeno Street barn that was ravaged by a structure fire Wednesday afternoon. (Photos by Katie Kuba/My Buckhannon)
Pictured from left are Buckhannon fire chief J.B. Kimble and Firefighter First Class Tanner Smith, who is operating a deck gun to put out the fire.
Firefighters begin overhaul on the Zeno Street structure.
Another scene from the Feb. 9 Zeno Street structure fire.
Members of the Upshur County Emergency Squad, the Buckhannon Fire Department, the Adrian VFD, Warren District VFD, and the Washington District VFD after containing the fire. (Photo by The City of Buckhannon/Randy Sanders)
Members of the Upshur County Emergency Squad, the Buckhannon Fire Department, the Adrian VFD, Warren District VFD, and the Washington District VFD after containing the fire. (Photo by The City of Buckhannon/Randy Sanders)

Share this story:

RECENT Stories

City of Buckhannon accepting bids for on-call skilled construction services

The City of Buckhannon is seeking bids for on-call skilled construction services, with bid documents available at City Hall and submissions accepted until 1:30 pm on June 16, 2025.

City of Buckhannon accepting bids for paving services

The City of Buckhannon is seeking bids for paving services until June 16, with bid details available at City Hall..

City of Buckhannon accepting bids for yard reclamation services

The City of Buckhannon is accepting bids for yard reclamation services until June 16, with bid details available at City Hall.

Buckhannon Banter: Get the local lowdown for May 15, 2025

It’s a busy week in Buckhannon, with the West Virginia Strawberry Festival in town all weekend!

Webb Grubb Day pays tribute to longtime Buckhannon law enforcement leader Virgil Miller

The eighth annual Webb Grubb Day honored the late Virgil Miller, former Buckhannon Police Chief and five-term Upshur County Sheriff, for his decades of dedicated law enforcement service to the community.

Klie Law Offices marks 20 years of fierce advocacy across West Virginia and Ohio

Klie Law Offices celebrated its 20th anniversary, highlighting its growth from a small rural firm to a four-city legal advocate known for aggressive, client-focused representation in West Virginia and Ohio.

City of Buckhannon prohibits smoking and vaping at West Virginia Strawberry Festival

The City of Buckhannon has banned smoking, vaping and all tobacco use in public areas during the West Virginia Strawberry Festival, with violators subject to fines.

Buckhannon reactivates emergency siren system, issues guidelines for use

The Buckhannon Fire Department, in partnership with local police and emergency management, has reactivated its fire siren system to warn downtown residents and visitors of emergencies such as severe weather or life-threatening incidents.

Denver Junior Carpenter

Denver Junior Carpenter, 80, a retired State Road worker and longtime Buckhannon resident known for his love of auctions and the outdoors, died May 14 at St. Joseph’s Hospital, survived by his wife and family.

Baseball Bucs shake off loss to Wheeling Park to stay alive in regional tournament with 5-4 win over John Marshall

The Buckhannon-Upshur baseball team survived elimination in the Region I tournament with a 5-4 win over John Marshall, overcoming a late rally and advancing to another must-win game against Wheeling Park.

Eight B-UMS track athletes headed to the “Best of the Best: WV Middle School State Meet”

Eight Buckhannon-Upshur Middle School track athletes qualified for the inaugural Best of the Best: WV Middle School State Meet in Huntington after standout performances and school record-breaking achievements during a successful season.

Buckhannon to host 18th annual Friendly Way Day honoring retired firefighters Jim Gregory and Brian Hollen

Buckhannon will celebrate its 18th annual Friendly Way Day on May 16 by honoring retired firefighters Jim Gregory and Brian Hollen, adding their names to the city’s Red Wall and Buddy Bench for outstanding service.