Parkersburg House Fire: Man Dies at 62

Man Dies in Parkersburg House Fire, Cause Under Inquiry

A 62-year-old man died Thursday, Jan. 29, in a house fire at a duplex on Pennsylvania Avenue in Parkersburg, West Virginia. The incident underscores the dangers of residential fires, particularly during winter months, and highlights the dedication of local fire crews to thorough search and rescue operations.

Fire Department Responds to Structure Fire

The Parkersburg Fire Department received an alert around 10:35 p.m. regarding a structure fire at 2328 Pennsylvania Avenue. Upon arrival, firefighters discovered flames engulfing the right-hand side of the duplex, originating in the kitchen area.

Did you know? – The Parkersburg Fire Department responds to over 500 fire calls annually, including structure fires, vehicle fires, and medical emergencies. winter months typically see an increase in residential fires.

Rescue Efforts and Fatality

During a primary search of the home, rescue crews located the victim. The man was immediately transported to a local hospital, where he was later pronounced dead. A senior official stated that crews conduct comprehensive searches of all structures responding to fire calls,regardless of perceived occupancy.

“We don’t know if the house is occupied,” the official explained. “A lot of times, if there’s vehicles in the driveway, you may think, more likely that there’s somebody inside. This time there wasn’t a vehicle there, but, no matter when or, what type of fire it is, we’re still going to do a primary and secondary search.” The victim was discovered while crews were completing the initial search.

challenges Faced During Response

Firefighters encountered meaningful challenges due to the treacherous weather conditions. The first fire hydrant attempted was frozen, forcing crews to quickly locate and utilize a secondary water source. Despite these difficulties, no firefighters sustained any injuries during the response.

Pro tip – Ensure your home’s exterior faucets are properly insulated during freezing temperatures to prevent hydrant issues and maintain water access for emergency responders.

Investigation Ongoing, Heating Source Suspected

The cause of the fire remains undetermined at this time. However, investigators believe a heating source in the kitchen area was likely involved. A senior official noted that “multiple heating sources” were identified in the area of origin.

.

The Parkersburg Fire Department encourages residents to practice fire safety, especially during the winter season, and to ensure they have working smoke detectors installed in their homes.

Reader question – What fire safety precautions do you take during the winter months to protect your family and home? Share your thoughts in the comments.

Copyright 2026 WTAP. All rights reserved.

Expanded News Report Summary:

Why: A house fire broke out at a duplex on Pennsylvania Avenue in Parkersburg, West Virginia.
Who: A 62-year-old man died in the fire. The Parkersburg Fire Department responded to the scene.
What: A structure fire engulfed the right-hand side of a duplex, originating in the kitchen.Firefighters conducted a search and found the victim, who was transported to a local hospital but pronounced dead.
How: The fire department responded to a call at 10:35 p.m. and encountered challenges with a frozen fire hydrant, requiring them to find an alternate water source.The cause of the fire is under investigation, but a heating source in the kitchen is suspected. The fire ended with the fatality of the resident.