Marlinton Mayor’s Corner

The Fourth Avenue house fire Saturday puts a spotlight on the urgency of eliminating abandoned and dilapidated structures within the boundaries of the Town of Marlinton.

Without utilities, these structures serve no useful purpose. Invariably, they each lend themselves to the derelict and homeless as places to squat, do drugs, pile more trash and become places that require law enforcement visits again and again.

The structure involved in Saturday’s fire, like others, has been allowed to exist far too long. This structure is like most all the others. The electrical power was disconnected long ago. One would think this would lessen the threat of fire. At least one individual has been seen coming and going from this location at different times as recently as last week. Saturday morning was just a little cooler than usual. You can imagine what happened next. Someone started a fire that was either left unattended by negligence or even deliberately. 

Whatever the case, we were fortunate that Saturday’s fire did not cause any other property damage, personal injuries or loss of life.  However, some abandoned structures are next door to other residential properties. A fire at such structures could easily result in very different outcomes.

Owners of these types of properties should be concerned about the liability of allowing such disrepair and abandonment to continue. If they are not concerned, the Town is, and will continue to pursue all legal means to address these problems.

It all comes down to the health and safety of all involved. That includes owners, residents and others who are inclined to enter these abandoned structures.