Hotel Fire at Danville, Ky.

Hotel Fire at Danville, Ky.

The famous old Gilcher House at Danville, Ky, was completely wiped out March 2, by a fire which originated in the elevator shaft on the third floor at midnight. When discovered the fire had gained much headway and was coming out the roof through the elevator shaft. The fire department, in command of Chief G. T. Thurmond, was called by telephone. The upper story, where the fire started, was in flames when the department arrived. It is supposed that the fire was caused by an electric wire crossing the hotel call bell wire, resulting in a short circuit which started the blaze and caused all the call bells to ring simultaneously which announced the fire. All the guests escaped. Five streams were kept on the building for two hours before the fire was under control. A strong gale assisted the flames, and only by hard work was adjoining property saved. Six heavy explosions occurred during the progress of the fire, supposed to have been caused by broken gas pipes. Firemen who were encased in ice were assisted by citizens. When the fire was at its height, Lexington was telegraphed for aid, which was subsequently countermanded. The hotel was 110 x 135 feet in dimension, three stories high and was constructed of brick 37 years ago. The total loss was about $90,000. A hose reel, a hose wagon and a ladder truck were in service. Water was supplied by a direct pumping and gravity system of sixty pounds pressure, through 1,000 feet of hose from hydrants 150 feet apart.

The famous old Gilcher House at Danville, Ky, was completely wiped out March 2, by a fire which originated in the elevator shaft on the third floor at midnight. When discovered the fire had gained much headway and was coming out the roof through the elevator shaft. The fire department, in command of Chief G. T. Thurmond, was called by telephone. The upper story, where the fire started, was in flames when the department arrived. It is supposed that the fire was caused by an electric wire crossing the hotel call bell wire, resulting in a short circuit which started the blaze and caused all the call bells to ring simultaneously which announced the fire. All the guests escaped. Five streams were kept on the building for two hours before the fire was under control. A strong gale assisted the flames, and only by hard work was adjoining property saved. Six heavy explosions occurred during the progress of the fire, supposed to have been caused by broken gas pipes. Firemen who were encased in ice were assisted by citizens. When the fire was at its height, Lexington was telegraphed for aid, which was subsequently countermanded. The hotel was 110 x 135 feet in dimension, three stories high and was constructed of brick 37 years ago. The total loss was about $90,000. A hose reel, a hose wagon and a ladder truck were in service. Water was supplied by a direct pumping and gravity system of sixty pounds pressure, through 1,000 feet of hose from hydrants 150 feet apart.