Incident Detail: 1924 Call No. 02


1924
Call No.  2
Time Out
11/09/1924
06:00
Time In

?
Type
 Barn Fire 
Location
 West Williamstown 


No Photo Available for This Incident

November 9, 1924

Fire broke out in the barn of Clayton Miller, in West Williamstown, on Sunday morning, November 9, 1924. The fire was discovered around 5:16 a.m. by Mrs. Phoebe Clouser, who spread the alarm and was instrumental in getting the Williamstown fire company to the scene. After desperate fighting, the Williamstown fire company was successful in confining the flames to the structure, but because of a high westerly wind, embers were being carried more than 150 yards where buildings were set afire and the dry grass of the Fairview Cemetery, 300 yards away, was ignited. After great danger was seen, in which fourteen homes and barns were threatened, a call was sent to Lykens and Wiconisco for help. The fire companies answered immediately, with Lykens leaving the firehouse around 6 a.m., and Wiconisco following closely after. The area of the fire, which was closely built up, was without fire protection, the only available means was garden hose, which was used to battle the flames. The Lykens and Wiconisco fire companies would have been able to pump water from the Wiconisco Creek if the emergency had required this service. But, it was found upon their arrival that the fire was under control and they stood by in readiness for action. The strong west wind, which fanned the blaze, saved the dwellings of Charles Machamer, William Clouser, Mrs. William Hawk, Elmer Kissinger, Clayton Miller, Mrs. Mary Rubenstall, and James C. Miller. These residences were within fifty feet of the large 20 foot by 80 foot barn that was a mass of flames. None of these places were afire, but were guarded by many who had formed a bucket brigade. Directly west of the burning structure were the homes of Ira Clouser and Mrs. Phoebe Clouser, William Fromme, Mrs. Edward Williams, Ira Wren, and Mark Machamer. Their homes were afire a number of times, but dilligent guard kept by a bucket brigade saved these dwellings each time they burst into flames. The barn and corn shocks on the farm of Paul Mehalko were afire. This place was located about 150 yards west of the Miller Barn. In the blaze, Clayton Miller lost a number of vehicles, two tons of hay, and a quantity of wheat. Ira Wren and William Wentzel, who kept their autos in the bottom part of the bank barn, each lost their cars. Wren had a Ford, while Wentzel owned an Oakland.



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