Tracking the Peoples Cartage warehouse fire.

WTAP reports that residents affected by the Peoples Cartage warehouse fire are invited to a community town hall on Thursday, August 13, 2026, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at 328 2nd Street in Parkersburg. Scott Smith, founder and president of Blue Shirt Justice Inc., will present independent environmental testing results, discuss what chemicals were detected and what they mean, outline practical safety measures, and answer questions about environmental exposure concerns.

Source: WTAP Television

The WV Department of Environmental Protection responded to FOIA #2026-07-018, stating that a majority of the requested information is available on its Peoples Cartage warehouse fire response page, and attaching Safety Data Sheet material. Two record sets were provided: a 406-page compilation of Safety Data Sheets for materials reported destroyed in the fire, and an 80-page set for materials reported as not destroyed. Both documents are posted in full in the FOIA tracker below.

Source: WV Department of Environmental Protection

The Parkersburg Utility Board (PUB) responded to the FOIA request sent to the City of Parkersburg on July 8. General Manager Eric Bennett noted PUB is responding only on behalf of PUB, not the City. PUB reports no responsive records exist for its well/source water or for items 2 and 4 of the request, and released a 7-page Exhibit A containing text-message communications between the General Manager and Treatment Operations Supervisor covering water supply operations during the fire (July 5–7). The messages show PUB tracking tank levels and pumping rates, coordinating with Chief Mathews to slow fire-suppression draws, and estimating 6–8 million gallons of water used on the fire on Sunday. The City of Parkersburg has also acknowledged receipt of the request via its City Attorney; a substantive response is still being assembled. All released documents are posted in the FOIA tracker below.

Source: Parkersburg Utility Board / City of Parkersburg

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency released its final air monitoring data from the Peoples Cartage warehouse fire. EPA monitored air quality at six locations in Parkersburg from July 5 through July 8, checking for carbon monoxide, hydrogen sulfide, hydrogen cyanide, volatile organic compounds, and particulate matter (PM-10 and PM-2.5). Final data shows hydrogen sulfide and VOC readings were generally near zero. On July 6, a monitor on Staunton Turnpike recorded a carbon monoxide spike with a 15-minute maximum average of about 45 parts per million, above the action level of 27 ppm. EPA worked alongside the WV Department of Environmental Protection throughout monitoring.

Source: EPA Mid-Atlantic / WTAP

WTAP reports the Peoples Cartage warehouse fire rekindled early Saturday morning. A large smoke column was visible from the Camden Avenue site and multiple agencies responded. Updates are expected as more information becomes available.

Source: WTAP Television

Out of an abundance of caution, the West Virginia Department of Health issued a Cease and Desist Order temporarily pausing cleanup at the Peoples Cartage warehouse to allow further evaluation of possible asbestos-containing materials. Based on the building's age and visual observations during cleanup, officials determined asbestos may be present. Peoples Cartage will be directed to use licensed asbestos contractors to determine how to manage and dispose of debris safely. Acting State Health Officer Dr. Mark McDaniel noted that asbestos-related illness is generally tied to significant, repeated exposure over time rather than brief exposure, and urged anyone near the initial fire or its smoke who has persistent coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, or other respiratory symptoms to consult their healthcare provider. People with COPD, reactive airway disease, or asthma are most at risk. Cleanup will resume once appropriate measures are in place.

Source: West Virginia Department of Health

State environmental officials are conducting green dye testing at the Peoples Cartage site to trace how water drains from the property and identify any discharge points. The work is part of ongoing WVDEP oversight of cleanup and remediation at the warehouse, and will help inform runoff controls as debris removal and site characterization move forward.

Source: WTAP / WVDEP

The West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection issued a formal order to Peoples Cartage, Inc. requiring the company to put detailed cleanup plans and timelines in place for the Camden Avenue warehouse. The order requires plans addressing debris removal and disposal, site characterization, and sampling. Each phase of cleanup must include a specific timeline for completion, and WVDEP must approve the submitted plans before work moves forward. WVDEP will maintain a presence at the site to oversee cleanup activities.

Source: WOWK 13 News / WVDEP

WVDEP announces the response is shifting to environmental cleanup and remediation. The fire was fully extinguished late Tuesday evening. All firefighting units have left the scene; a six-person fire watch crew remains overnight. The site is being turned over to the responsible party, which is identifying an environmental contractor to work under WVDEP oversight. Initial cleanup will characterize debris and assess the site and surrounding areas. WVDEP is evaluating runoff controls while continuing Little Kanawha River sampling; preliminary lab results remain well below state water quality standards. EPA is removing temporary air monitors now that air monitoring consistently shows no exceedances of health-based standards, but remains ready to redeploy. All finalized air monitoring data will be uploaded to an official EPA Emergency Response Portal covering daily reports from July 5 through July 8. The WV Department of Agriculture is coordinating with WVDEP and EPA on potential agricultural impacts from debris fallout and has opened an online portal for farmers, gardeners, and producers. The WV State Fire Marshal's Office is leading the investigation into the fire's origin and cause.

Source: West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection

Just before noon, all fire units and personnel are cleared from the scene. Camden Avenue will be open soon. Lithium previously stored in the warehouse was moved to a safe location early in the incident, and an adjacent building containing chemicals and lithium was protected by a firewall; nothing in that building was touched by the fire.

Source: WTAP

Fire officials report the Peoples Cartage warehouse fire is fully extinguished as of July 7. A six-person fire watch crew remains on scene overnight to address hot spots and embers. Crews have shifted to cleanup and monitoring operations.

Source: WTAP

Wood County officials confirm the shelter-in-place order is lifted. WVDEP and EPA report smoke-related particulate matter levels are below EPA's action level and no elevated readings have been detected for other monitored parameters. Air monitoring continues as response activities progress. WVDEP also continues sampling the Little Kanawha River; preliminary laboratory testing has not identified any results exceeding applicable water quality standards, with additional sampling and analysis underway.

Source: West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection

After reviewing air monitoring data, Wood County 911 announced that all monitored levels are below minimum threshold levels. Effective immediately, the precautionary shelter-in-place order is rescinded.

Source: Wood County, WV E911

The FAA has approved a temporary no-fly zone around the Peoples Cartage fire site. The restriction covers a 1-mile radius and extends to 1,000 feet above ground level. It will remain in effect until Wednesday, July 8, 2026 at 11:59 p.m.

Source: Wood County, WV E911

Fire crews remain on scene. WVDEP and U.S. EPA continue on-site air and water sampling. Community concerns grow about chemical exposure from burning high-carbon polymer and rubber materials.

Source: WV DEP, U.S. EPA, community reports

Gov. Patrick Morrisey urges residents within a half-mile of the air monitoring site north of the facility to stay indoors after elevated smoke-related particulate matter was detected. WVDEP and EPA Region 3 remain on scene and are adjusting monitoring locations as conditions change.

Source: Office of the Governor, WTAP

Wood County 911, working with WVDEP and EPA, issues a precautionary shelter-in-place after air monitoring particulate levels exceeded minimum threshold levels. The order covers roughly a quarter-mile radius northeast of the fire toward Staunton Turnpike, along the Little Kanawha River from just south of Dry Run north toward Brown Asphalt Paving. Residents in the zone are asked to keep windows and doors closed.

Source: Wood County 911 Center, WTAP, Parkersburg News & Sentinel

The Wood County Sheriff's Office enforces a strict secure perimeter around the Camden Avenue site — from Elder Street to the Little Kanawha River, and from Elder Street down Camden Avenue to Murray Lane — and airspace over the fire is restricted so unauthorized aircraft and drones stay clear of firefighting operations. Only first responders and personnel authorized by incident command are allowed in the area.

Source: Wood County Sheriff's Office, WBOY, Parkersburg News & Sentinel

Hotspot causes reignition. Multi-agency response begins. Residents near Camden Avenue asked to shelter in place.

Source: WTAP, Wood County officials

Crews report the main blaze knocked down after several hours. Air quality advisories issued for downwind neighborhoods.

Source: Parkersburg Fire Department

Fire reported at the warehouse on Camden Avenue. Initial response by on-site systems and local firefighters.

Source: Official reports & local news