Article Photos

Three weekend fires in the Elkins area are still under investigation although one has been determined to be an arson and another destroyed a local restaurant.

At approximately 7:27 p.m. Saturday the Elkins Fire Department received a call to respond to a fire at 209 Wayne Ave., while another fire at 317 Main St. broke out around three minutes later.

Elkins City Police Capt. J.E. Batdorf said the fire on Main Street has been determined to be arson and two male juveniles, ages 8 and 9, have admitted to starting the fire. The two children will be turned over to juvenile authorities. Elkins Fire Chief Tom Meader has estimated damages at the Main Street fire to be around $20,000 to $25,000.

The Beverly Fire Department assisted Elkins at the scene of the fires.

At approximately 3:33 a.m. Sunday, people heard explosions coming from the River Car Restaurant at Bowden, Meader said. The Elkins, Beverly and Leading Creek Fire Departments worked to contain the fire for approximately six hours. Meader has estimated damages at the River Car Restaurant to be $250,000.