Buckhannon, W.Va. (WVDN) – On February 7, 2026, at approximately 1:00 p.m., Trooper C.J. Elmore of the West Virginia State Police responded to a reported commercial structure fire and was the first law enforcement officer to arrive on scene. Upon arrival, Trooper Elmore observed smoke coming from a nearby residential structure.
As Trooper Elmore approached the residence, he heard a male individual shout, “My baby girl,” as the man ran into the smoke-filled home. Trooper Elmore immediately began moving toward the residence and inquired whether any occupants remained inside. A female on scene advised that her elderly mother was on the back porch.
Trooper Elmore ran through the smoke to the back porch and assisted the elderly female down the outside staircase and safely escorted her to awaiting emergency medical personnel. Trooper Elmore then noticed a ten-month-old infant, who had been removed from the smoke-filled home, in need of medical attention. He then carried the child to emergency medical services for evaluation.
All eight occupants of the residence were safely evacuated without major injury.
Trooper Elmore then assisted the Buckhannon Fire Department and Upshur County EMS with traffic control to ensure the safety of emergency responders and the public.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation by the West Virginia State Fire Marshal’s Office.
An earlier press release erroneously stated the Trooper had made entry into the residence. Further illumination of the facts revealed that even though he did not enter the residence, he removed an elderly woman from the premises and from harm’s way. Additionally, he assisted the 10-month-old child in getting necessary medical attention.
