Auto Shop Fire in Wayne County
Auto Shop Fire in Wayne County Save Email Print
Posted: 4:54 PM Sep 5, 2008
 Last Updated: 6:36 PM Sep 5, 2008
 Reporter: Courtney Sisk
Email Address: courtney.sisk@wsaz.com
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UPDATE @ 5:36pm
The assistant fire chief in Wayne tells WSAZ.com that an employee at J & J Auto Repair was doing some welding on a Jeep when the interior of the Jeep caught fire.

The employee tried to put the fire out, but the flames and smoke got out of control and they had to clear the building.

No one was hurt, but the building was destroyed. The fire is now under control.


ORIGINAL STORY @ 4:54pm
WAYNE, W.Va. (WSAZ) -- Firefighters in Wayne County are on the scene of a fire at J & J Automotive.

We're told it's an exhaust shop and the entire building is on fire. 911 dispatchers tell us no one is hurt.

We have a crew at the scene. Keep clicking on WSAZ.com for more information.

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Posted by: Anonymous on Sep 8, 2008 at 08:38 PM
Thats why Chris left wayne and went to lavalette.
Posted by: Chris on Sep 8, 2008 at 06:08 PM
LOL...I never said I was first, that's why I put it on here...Quit hiding behind a name, you know where to find me!
Posted by: out wayne on Sep 8, 2008 at 02:10 PM
To Chris: Then why are you the person telling everyone you were there first. And you were the one bashing Wayne in Lavalette. So there's your file (13)!!.
Posted by: Chris on Sep 8, 2008 at 12:20 PM
This is amazing...First and foremost, Wayne VFD was on scene 8-10 minutes before Lavalette VFD was. I know, I was driving Lavalette's engine, so quit bashing Wayne VFD. All VFD's need help, especially in the daytime hours. All firefighters on scene did an excellent job containing and extinguishing the fire. So file your complaints in "File 13", Wayne VFD meets on Monday nights, go fill out an application and be part of a great organization...otherwise, keep your inaccurate statements to yourselves!
Posted by: JL on Sep 7, 2008 at 09:05 AM
About 2 years ago the Wayne Fire Dept came to a fire in Shoals, the mobile homes. They said the fire was a controled burn. One of the drunks who set the fire was standing there with a trickling garden hose. I called 911 many times to have the so called fire dept.return. Meanwhile the sideing on my moble home melted. The EPA had to come out the next day. Needless to say it was a mess. I MOVED ASAP!!!!!
Posted by: Jason Blankenship on Sep 6, 2008 at 07:26 PM
Enough with the finger pointing. Everyone did all they could do. Everyone is safe, that was the point. We will rebuild as soon as possible. Thanks go out to all Fire Departments, without them things may have turned out differently. Now stop the arguments and finger pointing. If you have a problem with a VFD go join and make a difference.
Posted by: Anonymous on Sep 6, 2008 at 04:21 PM
Lavalette was there spraying water beore WAYNE ever got started. Its sad, Lavalette is about twelve miles away, and WAYNE may be about one mile away. Way to go Wayne...Wayne fire dept. is a joke.
Posted by: Anonymous on Sep 6, 2008 at 02:28 PM
I know that the Wayne Fire Dept. has to be the slowest of any and all fire departments. Something needs to be done in this town to get them to put some speed under their fire. If they don't want to volunteer then they don't need too. I sure hope Jamie gets to build back another shop. He is the best and has the best prices of anyone close to here. God Bless you guys!
Posted by: sambo on Sep 6, 2008 at 01:30 PM
I am sorry about J&J burning. I hope they rebuild. They do good work and are fair priced.
Posted by: Peeved @ these Comments on Sep 6, 2008 at 01:17 PM
It is a VOLUNTEER fire dept. Which means that there isnt always someone to VOLUNTEER! These people have jobs! Jobs to support their families. Their lives do not revolve around the fire dept! When they are able to, yes they do help! No one plans for things to happen like this, they just do and you have to deal with it the best that you can. So, instead of getting on here and bashing response times, why dont you get up from your leisure time in front of your computer and go and join you local VOLUNTEER fire dept!!! Oh and thank the members of all the Volunteer depts who were on the scene of this fire. Wayne, Lavalette, East Lynn, & Prichard. If Im missing anyone, I apologize. You all did a great job! It was a big fire. No lives were lost! A building can always be built back.
Posted by: Resident on Sep 6, 2008 at 11:23 AM
I am a volunteer have been for several years in wayne county and wayne Fire dept isnt what they are cracked up to be .
Posted by: Janet on Sep 6, 2008 at 11:18 AM
I went there once to have my exhaust fixed and fell in love with the big ol dog that was there. Hope he made it out ok.
Posted by: J&J Customer on Sep 6, 2008 at 10:41 AM
I am so glad that all the guys got out safe. Really hope Jamie and Nan reopen. It is so hard to find a Good, Honest and reasonably Priced Repair Shop.On top of that they had a great bunch of guys working for them.
Posted by: Anonymous on Sep 6, 2008 at 08:51 AM
i was there and east lynn didn't beat wayne to the sceen. East Lynn came in about 5-10 minuts after wayne was there and had their hose drawn. get the story straight before you start.
Posted by: Anonymous on Sep 6, 2008 at 08:42 AM
Hey Zack Wayne, you should learn to spell if you are going to criticize something you know nothing about. This may help to get any point across that you may be trying to convey. Seriously "piddifle", I can't even find that word in the dictionary!!!! Grow up people, do you see the word "volunteer", why don't you take your big fat butts out there and help and maybe you could do a better job!!! My brother-in-law was there out of the kindness of his heart, so where were you???
Posted by: Rose on Sep 6, 2008 at 08:00 AM
Funny how this thing brings out slamming comments. Instead of slamming .. how about writing about the fact that Wayne is a small community and how it just lost a business. I wish you the best Jamie ... it has got to be an awful sickening feeling watching your business go up in flames.
Posted by: Wv hillbilly on Sep 6, 2008 at 05:59 AM
I came by while this was happening it was bad i think (although it was hard 2 see due 2 d smoke) that a house caught fire as well one of the trucks hadda fill up i no cause we came by when they were putt'n it n, it was an auto shop hence theres not alot these boys could do grease, oil, gas, etc..., and thats not a cut 2 the shop its norm 4 those things 2 b around,they tried but failed everything is SO DRY dont b surprised if we see alot more fires, this was a shame
Posted by: Volunteer Firefighter on Sep 6, 2008 at 02:30 AM
This is to Zack. Before you start to put down ANY volunteer fire dept. do some research. The time of day has to be taken into consideration along with a whole host of others. Also, these men and women get up from their families to go and help others in their time of need. It actually doesn't matter if it is a volunteer dept or paid dept, they both do the same job and are in it for the same reasons, to help others who need it. It is a special gift from God to be given these abilities to do what we do. So if they are so PIDDIFLE as you put it, get off your butt and volunteer your time and LIFE like they do. Oh and by the way, maybe you should go back to school and learn how to spell. Now THAT is PITTIFUL. Who knows, you could be the difference they are looking for and make them a better dept.
Posted by: Jason Blankenship on Sep 6, 2008 at 02:26 AM
I wanted to include that we would like for there to be quarrel or finger pointing at anyone. The garage will be rebuilt and back in running order as soon as possible. Ths service and reliability you have came to expect will be returned to this community. Thank you for your patience and understanding. Jason Blankenship
Posted by: Jason Blankenship on Sep 6, 2008 at 02:19 AM
J & J was esablished 20 yrs ago by owner James Blankenship. In that 20 yrs many friends and collegues have been made and remain today. The name J & J came from the combination of James and Jason(me). I want to assure everyone that this accident was exactly that. I personally apologize for the interuption in the services that the community has experienced and will experience for the next few days. Today we were blessed by the fact that noone was injured and everyone is at home safe with their families. I would like to think the friends and family that was on site until after dark helping secure the building. That is truely the morale of the story today: People coming together to help others in their darkest hour. That is what makes me proud to come from such a place. The facts of this instance are as the above states. The facts about the fire department are that Lavalette VFD responded first followed by the Wayne VFD which were deployed by two outstanding state troopers. Thank you
Posted by: Lois on Sep 6, 2008 at 12:25 AM
I just picked my van up from there. J&J's has always been good to me and my family. I am glad no one was hurt. My prayers are with them.
Posted by: Laressa Blankenship on Sep 5, 2008 at 11:24 PM
My dad Charles Blankenship worked there.... Now i guess he has 2 find some where elts to work....
Posted by: KIM on Sep 5, 2008 at 11:13 PM
I REALLY HATE TO HEAR ABOUT J&J'S SHOP. IT WAS A GOOD AND RESPECTABLE PLACE TO TAKE YOUR VECHICLES.
Posted by: Out Wayne on Sep 5, 2008 at 10:36 PM
Lavalette was ther first before Wayne even got off of the couch. If it wasn't for Lavalette we could have lost the whole block. Wake up Wayne Fire Dept.
Posted by: Anonymous on Sep 5, 2008 at 08:29 PM
From all volunteer firefighters of america,why do you get your lazy A-- and help the firefighters instead of running your big mouth mr know it all Zack Wayne.Don't knock it till you try it
Posted by: zack wayne on Sep 5, 2008 at 07:27 PM
wayne voluteer fire deptment is piddifle
Posted by: curious in wayne on Sep 5, 2008 at 06:53 PM
1 really should ask Steve Vernick from The East Lynn Fire Dept. About what he saw, As The East Lynn Dept. Responded 1st on the Scene...Several Minutes before The Wayne Fire Dept. But thats always the case it seems!
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