WEIRTON, W.Va. — A fire broke out Saturday at the former Cleveland-Cliffs tin mill in Weirton while workers were preparing to demolish part of the facility, sending heavy smoke into the air and prompting a large multi-department response.
The fire started when an oxyacetylene torch ignited a large plastic tank beneath the former tin plating line known as the No. 4 plater. The tanks, which had previously stored acid used in the tin-plating process, had been cleaned and contained no chemicals at the time of the fire. No additional hazardous materials were released into the air.
Firefighters faced significant challenges because utilities had been shut off inside the massive building, leaving no working water supply. Crews initially relied on water carried on their fire engines, but quickly exhausted those resources and had to call for tanker support.
Tanker task forces from Brooke and Hancock counties were requested, along with assistance from Hanover Township, Steubenville, Follansbee and several other departments. Firefighters depended on tanker trucks to shuttle water to the scene so crews could continue battling the blaze inside the building.
The fire was brought under control, and crews remained on scene for several hours to monitor hot spots and prevent a possible rekindle.
No injuries were reported. The mill has been out of operation since April 2024.
