One of the hallmarks of the Upper Ohio Valley is that we always pull together when times are tough, or when things need to get done. The teamwork and effort across multiple agencies from multiple counties and three states to fight what could have been a terrible fire last week at the Tunnel Ridge Prep Plant in Ohio County is the perfect example of this area’s spirit and willingness to work toward a common end.

On Monday, firefighters and emergency crews from Ohio, Brooke, Marshall and Hancock counties in West Virginia were joined by crews from Belmont and Jefferson County in Ohio and Washington County in Pennsylvania to battle the coal fire off Short Creek Road. State and county lines made no difference; they all came out to put down a fire that wasn’t the easiest to fight. That says something about our friends and neighbors.

Thank you to all those who risked their lives to help put this fire out, especially those who came from outside the county to help. Those of us who live here appreciate your efforts.