Fire in Grain Elevator in Erie

Fire in Grain Elevator in Erie

Chief J. M. Duerner, of the Erie, Pa., fire department, had a hard task on his hands in the fighting of the fire at the grain elevator in his city on December 10. The building was located in the north central part of the city, occupying a space 150 by 200 feet. The building is about 120 feet in height and was built 40 years ago and an extension added 17 years ago. The materials used in its construction were wood and brick and wood partition walls but no sprinkler equipment. The fire started on the top floor in the north end, but from what cause it is not known. The night watchman discovered it at 1.50 a. m. Before Chief Duerner was able to get it under control it had burned 48 hours. While ten persons are ordinarily employed in the place no one was hurt. When the deartment arrived the fire was burning rapidly and had a good start. Railroad cars placed on the sidings around the building and filled with lumber and poles caused the firemen endless trouble in getting lines to the fire. One hundred and ten firemen were on duty along with eight hose carts, one time through l%-inch nozzles. Ten thousand feet of hose were used, of which only one eight steamers, two trucks, one motor pumping engine and one horse-drawn ladder wagon. What made the fire more difficult for Chief Duerner to handle was the fact that there were no hydrants available and it was necessary to get water directly from the lake. Twelve streams were placed on the fire at length burst. One deluge set was also put in service. The value of the elevator and contents totaled $1,000,150. The fact that the loss on the building was only $75,000 and on the grain $375,000, reflected great credit on Chief Duerner and his force. Another elevator with 275,000 bushels of wheat was standing within 60 feet of the burning building but this was saved by the firemen from taking fire.

Chief J. M. Duerner, of the Erie, Pa., fire department, had a hard task on his hands in the fighting of the fire at the grain elevator in his city on December 10. The building was located in the north central part of the city, occupying a space 150 by 200 feet. The building is about 120 feet in height and was built 40 years ago and an extension added 17 years ago. The materials used in its construction were wood and brick and wood partition walls but no sprinkler equipment. The fire started on the top floor in the north end, but from what cause it is not known. The night watchman discovered it at 1.50 a. m. Before Chief Duerner was able to get it under control it had burned 48 hours. While ten persons are ordinarily employed in the place no one was hurt. When the deartment arrived the fire was burning rapidly and had a good start. Railroad cars placed on the sidings around the building and filled with lumber and poles caused the firemen endless trouble in getting lines to the fire. One hundred and ten firemen were on duty along with eight hose carts, one time through l%-inch nozzles. Ten thousand feet of hose were used, of which only one eight steamers, two trucks, one motor pumping engine and one horse-drawn ladder wagon. What made the fire more difficult for Chief Duerner to handle was the fact that there were no hydrants available and it was necessary to get water directly from the lake. Twelve streams were placed on the fire at length burst. One deluge set was also put in service. The value of the elevator and contents totaled $1,000,150. The fact that the loss on the building was only $75,000 and on the grain $375,000, reflected great credit on Chief Duerner and his force. Another elevator with 275,000 bushels of wheat was standing within 60 feet of the burning building but this was saved by the firemen from taking fire.