WVVA TV Bluefield Beckley WV News, Weather and SportsUPDATE: Part of burned building collapses, damages nearby office

UPDATE: Part of burned building collapses, damages nearby office

UPDATE: WELCH (WVVA) - A brick wall of the burned building in downtown Welch collapsed overnight, damaging a nearby office.

Officials say the falling bricks left a sizeable hole in the roof of the building next door that housed an insurance office, and apparently blew out several windows.

The damage could mean that this structure may also be demolished.

Authorities said late Wednesday that a wall of the burned apartment building was wobbling and appeared on the verge of collapse.

The city is expected to hold a special meeting Thursday evening to discuss the demolition of the five-story structure that was destroyed in Tuesday morning's blaze.

McDowell Street remains closed.

UPDATE: WELCH (WVVA) - The fire that destroyed an apartment building in downtown Welch rekindled Tuesday evening and again Wednesday morning.

Officials say the way the roof of the building fell is preventing fire crews from reaching certain hot spots.

City officials met Wednesday to discuss the demolition of what remains of the five-story structure. A decision could be made as early as this week.

McDowell Street Welch remains closed for safety purposes.

UPDATE: WELCH (WVVA) - WVVA's Stephanie Crace reports from Welch that the fire has been contained.

Crews from three counties are working the scene. The building contained a bar on the first floor, and apartments on the four other floors.

The apartments were partially occupied. Everyone inside the building was evacuated with no injuries reported.

The building is a complete loss.

The cause of the fire is unknown at this time. State Fire Marshals are investigating.

WELCH (WVVA) - Several crews are responding to a fire in a building in downtown Welch.

Firefighters from Welch and Kimball responded to the call at 9:47 a.m. A ladder truck from Bluefield has been called to the scene.

Several other crews from the region have also responded.

The building on fire is the five-story structure adjacent to the downtown parking garage.

WVVA News has a crew headed to Welch and plans to have a live report from Stephanie Crace at the scene on WVVA News@Noon.