United States (West Virginia) - The Gormania Gas and Go was destroyed by fire early Wednesday, causing a loss of the business and its contents estimated at $700,000 to $1 million, according to the Bayard Volunteer Fire Company. The cause of the fire is being investigated by the fire company along with the West Virginia State Fire Marshal's Office.

The fire apparently originated inside the front entrance of the four-story building at about 3 a.m., said Bayard Assistant Fire Chief Kevin DeWitt.

"All the windows were blown out and it was fully involved when we got there," said DeWitt, who estimated up to 120 volunteer firefighters responded.

No one was injured in the fire operation which DeWitt said occurred in difficult conditions. "It was snowing and blowing and the temperature was 14 degrees. The roof gave out so we had to fight it from outside," he said.

The 60-by-100-foot building with attic and basement contained various food-service equipment, including freezers, walk-in coolers, meat slicers and other items. The business sold gasoline, diesel fuel and kerosene, according to DeWitt.

Approximately nine employees worked at the Gormania Gas & Go at the intersection of U.S. Route 50 and state Route 90, located about 100 yards from the Maryland line.

"It was the only gas station in this area. The nearest other stations are in Oakland or Mount Storm," said DeWitt.

A 911 call to the Grant County Communications Center at 3:04 a.m. prompted response of volunteer firefighters from Bayard, Mount Storm, Maysville, Gormania, Oakland, Deer Park, Mount Grove, Aurora and Elk Garden. Petersburg, Thomas and Kitzmiller companies were placed on standby. Mount Storm Ambulance also responded .

DeWitt said the property is owned by Randy Rodeheaver and was insured. Efforts by the Times-News to contact Rodeheaver were unsuccessful.

Written by Cumberland Times-News