The Mingo County Commission is teaming up with the Tug Valley chapter of the American Red Cross to help a community member whose home was destroyed by an explosion at Chattaroy Thursday morning.

As previously reported, a house in Chattaroy belonging to Barry Reed of Canada, Ky., exploded at approximately 2 a.m. Thursday. The cause of the explosion is yet to be determined. No one was occupying the house at the time, although the building did have electricity.

Miraculously, no one was injured in the explosion or the resulting blaze.

Mingo County Emergency Services Director Jarrod Fletcher said the house was a total loss.

“It was a huge explosion, leaving a 200-foot by 400-foot, debris field,” Fletcher said. “The building was leveled upon ignition. Four homes were totaled or moderately damaged and four others were moderately impacted.”

In addition to the Reed property and those eight houses, a mobile home owned and occupied by Garnet Lockard was also destroyed.

“As far as I know, that residence was the only one not insured,” Fletcher said.

As the community heard the news about the fire, the Mingo County Commis-sion met to see what they could do to help the victims. They met at the courthouse with Fletcher and Red Cross Chapter President Paul McAllister.

“We can help with clothing, food and replace some household goods,” McAllister said. “We can pay for a few days at a motel if needed.”

Garnet Lockard was going to stay with a niece, Fletcher said. But commission members said they wanted to help her find a place to stay.

“We need to help Garnet,” Commissioner David Baisden said. “We may be able to find her something through the Housing Authority. We will do whatever we can.”

The West Virginia Fire Marshall’s office, along with the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives, is currently investigating the explosion.

Fletcher said four fire departments, Williamson, Chattaroy, Matewan and Delbarton responded to the call. The West Virginia State Police were also at the scene.

“The WVSP brought a helicopter to get an aerial view of the entire area,” Fletcher said. “It was helpful to be able to get the bigger picture, to see what all was involved.”