SMOKE HOLE CAVERNS COMPLEX GOES UP IN SMOKE

(11/12/2009)

One of WV's best-known tourist attractions has gone up in smoke, but not the part that really counts. Seven volunteer fire departments fought a major blaze at Smoke Hole Caverns Restaurant and Gift Shop into Wednesday morning. The cavern entrance is nearby. Firemen returned to a second fire at the site, with the local fire chief indicating appearances of arson. The state Fire Marshal's Office and Grant County Sheriff's Department are investigating. Smoke Hole Caverns is a privately owned tourist attraction. Co-owner Jerry Lee Hedrick, 60, was sentenced to 2-10 years in prison after being convicted on charges that he sexually abused a former female worker at Smoke Hole Caverns. Hedrick is currently in the Potomac Highlands Regional Jail.

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