Fire crews from several area departments including Weirton responded to the former Creegan Co. building on Washington Street in Steubenville Wednesday evening to battle a structure fire. Crews were still on scene early this morning.
By Michael D. McElwain
Weirton Daily Times
STEUBENVILLE, Ohio – Firefighters from both sides of the Ohio River were pressed into service to battle a building fire in downtown Steubenville Wednesday evening.
The blaze broke out at the former Creegan Co. building along Washington Street near the North Fifth Street intersection. Firefighters were still on scene early this morning.
There were no early reports of any fatalities. According to several witnesses, one firefighter was taken to an ambulance at the scene.
The fire broke out at approximately 7:30 p.m. Within several minutes, Steubenville fire officials called for reinforcements.
Aerial trucks battled the blaze from three sides. Crews worked at ground level pumping water inside broken display windows along the lower level.
The water mist from the hoses froze in midair and then froze on the city streets and sidewalks, causing a further hazard.
Police officers put up barricades and warning tape to keep onlookers at bay.
The action to contain the blaze helped keep an apartment complex, just a few feet from the burning building, relatively unscathed. The building was evacuated.
More details about the fire and the future of the former Creegan Building will come later after firefighters and investigators have a chance to inspect the scene.