 |
|
|
Updated: 7:43 PM Sep 11, 2008
Fire Destroys Milton Flea Market, Owner Promises to Rebuild
Firefighters battled a large fire at the Milton Flea Market that destroyed most of the building Wednesday. WEB EXTRA: watch raw video of the fire, see which sections of the market were saved Posted: 11:25 AM Sep 10, 2008Reporter: Phil Weber; Mike Waterhouse Email Address: news@wsaz.com |
Photo courtesy e-Reporter Susie King.
|
399 Comments 
Photos 
SUMMARY OF EVENTS
From The Associated Press
MILTON, W.Va. (AP) - A fire has destroyed the Milton Flea Market, a loss that is expected to have a major economic impact on the Cabell County town.
The fast-spreading blaze at the U-shaped wood and metal structure was reported around 11 a.m. Wednesday. Most of the building collapsed and assistant Milton Fire Chief Steve Vititoe says ammunition in one of the booths went off.
No injuries were reported. The flea market is only open on weekends.
Every Cabell County fire department, along with some from neighboring counties, responded. One fire truck received significant damage while fighting the fire.
The venue opened in 1989 and grew to become one of the region's largest flea markets. More than 300 vendors sold antiques, collectibles, crafts and jewelry there.
Milton Mayor Betty Sargent estimates the market drew about 10,000 visitors each weekend.
Nina Roberts of Barboursville ran a candle shop there and lost up to $30,000 worth of inventory. She says she wasn't insured.
The cause of the fire hasn't been determined.
(scroll down for coverage as-it-happened)
UPDATE @ 5:40pm
Milton Flea Market owner Boyd Meadows spoke with WSAZ.com's Michael Wooten Wednesday afternoon. Meadows says he will rebuild the flea market on this site once the investigation and clean-up are finished.
UPDATE @ 3:26pmWe have learned that two sections of the flea market were not destroyed by fire. They were not attached to the main building. Click on the map to the right to see a larger view of the sections saved & destroyed. The saved sections are colored blue, and the sections consumed by fire are in red.
UPDATE @ 1:28pm
WSAZ.com's Dave Benton is also at the scene. He says the Milton Flea Market's construction was similar to a chimney laying in its side--and the fire just shot through it, destroying everything in its path. The building had wooden beams holding the roof up, and when those caught fire, they collapsed.
Dave says about 100 people are gathered near the scene. He says people are crying, and the scene is very emotional. A lot of people had a lot of time and money invested in market.
Tell us your stories and memories of the Milton Flea Market. Fill out our comment form below.
UPDATE @ 12:51pm
The Milton Flea Market is now reportedly destroyed by fire.
Milton's assistant fire chief, Steve Vititoe, tells WSAZ.com's Bill Murray that there are no injuries so far. He says the call first came in at 11:03 a.m. as a vehicle fire, but they haven't been able to find a vehicle. The fire started in the northeast part of the market.
Vititoe says every fire department in Cabell County is at the scene, including the City of Huntington. Crews from Putnam and Mason counties are also at the fire scene.
Route 60 is closed in both directions near the market. I-64 remains open at this time, but officials from the DEP are monitoring the air and smoke in the area to see if it needs to be closed.
Vititoe says there is no danger to people near the market, but everyone should keep away from the area.
He confirms that ammunition was going off in one of the booths in the southwest corner of the flea market.
Keep clicking on WSAZ.com for more information.
UPDATE @ 12:39pmThe smoke is being picked up by our 3D Doppler radar. (click on the thumbnail to see a larger image)
UPDATE @ 12:17pm
Cabell County's EMS director tells WSAZ that nobody was at the flea market when the fire started. The market is closed during the week.
ORIGINAL STORY @ 11:24am
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. (WSAZ) -- Firefighters are battling a large fire at the Milton Flea Market.
The fire was reported about 11:15 a.m. Wednesday.
Almost all of the fire departments from across Cabell County have been called to the scene, and units are responding from Putnam County.
Route 60 is closed in the area of the flea market. So far, no injuries have been reported.
We have a crew at the scene.
Keep clicking on WSAZ.com for the latest information.
[ Copyright 2009 – WSAZ.com. All Rights Reserved. ]
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Severe Weather and Breaking News Coverage
To send a news tip or submit a story idea, e-mail news@wsaz.com
Latest Comments
i don't think that fire that big in my life, my daughter couldn't get to school that day then i knew something was wrong
[ Report Abuse ]
9-10-2008 I WILL NEVER FROGET BEFOR 9-11-08
[ Report Abuse ]
i seen the fire last year but now its going to be great when they open back up i watch them rebuild the fleamarket its going pretty good
[ Report Abuse ]
|
Popular Searches Powered by Local.com |
- South Charleston Police Seek 2 Teens in Connection with 'Gruesome' Murder
- Hundreds Greet Miles Ferguson on Return Home to Portsmouth
- Miley Cyrus Tour Bus Overturns in Va., Killing 1
- Man Shot Five Times at a Home in Kanawha County, Name Released
- One Dead in Boyd County Crash, Name Released
- UPDATE: I-64 Crash Sends One Person to the Hospital
- Marshall Cardiology Fellow Faces Fraud Charges
- Portsmouth Police Arrest Pair on Drug Charges
- Name Released: Man Shot in South Charleston, Found Near Mound
- Former Classmate of Emily Perdue Speaks Out About MU Grade Scandal
- Hundreds Greet Miles Ferguson on Return Home to Portsmouth
602 Comments - One Dead in Boyd County Crash, Name Released
55 Comments - Huntington City Council Members Discuss Violence in Downtown Bars
30 Comments - MCTC Picks New Name, Initials Remain the Same
20 Comments - UPDATE: Two Arrested in Double Carter County Murder
17 Comments - Miley Cyrus Tour Bus Overturns in Va., Killing 1
16 Comments
 |
Full 2010 Olympic coverage from the WSAZ Olympic Zone. Coverage begins Friday, Feb. 12, at 7:30p with the Opening Ceremony on WSAZ |
 |
A glittering holiday show full of fun and surprises for the whole family! Children thrill as Santa takes them on a magical ride to his workshop. |
 |
Healthy Connections Find a local health professional |
 |
A collection of resources here to help Moms weather the daily storms that come along with parenting. |
 |
SOMC Very good things are happening here |
 |
WV Lottery Nightly drawings and numbers |
 |
Big Sandy For all your furniture and appliance needs |
 |
Healthy Tri-State Tips to live a healthier lifestyle |
