(Photo by Evan Bevins) This sprinkler and pipe burst in the ceiling over the monitor’s office in the Salvation Army of Parkersburg shelter Wednesday.

PARKERSBURG — Salvation Army of Parkersburg’s laundry room and monitor’s office are deemed a complete loss following a burst pipe due to changing temperatures Wednesday night.

The organization’s building on Fifth Street was experiencing a trickle leak from their pipes, according to Salvation Army of Parkersburg Lt. Anthony Rowe. In order to combat the leak, they made a change to the sprinkler system and due to the recent winter temperatures, the water within the pipes froze.

“Because the weather started warming up a bit here and there, the water started coming through those pipes and busted them open,” said Rowe. “The water completely demolished our laundry room and our monitor’s office and flooded the shelter.”

Rowe said although the burst pipes caused damage and flooding, the shelter was still able to serve those staying there.

“We were still able to give our residents running water and food,” he said. “ServPro have been here since the incident and will probably continue to be here all weekend drying the area. The rooms where the damage occurred will most definitely need remodeled.”

(Photo by Evan Bevins) Salvation Army of Parkersburg Housing Manager Rich Whipkey on Friday morning describes the scene after a pipe burst in the monitor’s office at the organization’s shelter Wednesday.

According to volunteers with the organization, the community has already shown up with a big response to the situation. The Salvation Army of Parkersburg will be accepting donations of bedsheets, towels, washcloths, toiletries, hygiene products, and monetary donations to help with the damage. People may drop donations off to the organization Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

(Photo by Evan Bevins) Damaged and soaked items are stacked in the laundry room at the Salvation Army of Parkersburg shelter Friday after a pipe burst Wednesday.