Multiple fire departments in Raleigh County responded just after 9 p.m. Sunday night to a structure fire at what was once the home of former governor Hulett Smith.

Robbie Bailey, chief deputy state fire marshal, told West Virginia Public Broadcasting that an investigation is underway but still in the very early stages.

Bailey said the structure is just outside of the Beckley city limits. It was unoccupied and known to have issues with vandalism and squatting. He described the damage as “a total loss.”

The house is currently owned by Gov. Jim Justice’s family.

Smith was born and raised in Beckley and served one term as West Virginia’s governor from 1965 to 1969. He spent much of his life before and after his term in the Beckley area where his father, Joe L. Smith, served as mayor.



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