Persistency of West Chester, Pa., Firemen
Owing to the difficulty of getting over the ground quickly enough and the distance that had to be covered—one mile from West Chester, Pa., it took the firemen an hour to reach a stable fire and get a stream on what was left of the building at Cottage Hill, East. The run was longer and one of the fastest of the year and the nearest hydrant to the blaze was two blocks away. Owing to a mistaken report that the scene of the fire was some miles from West Chester, the first West Chester company took only its chemical engine, consequently no hydrant streams were thrown, which could have been done with good effect. As it was, the flames were fought with chemicals alone for one hour, after which the steamer of Fame Company got to work and pumped water up grade to the burning embers for nearly an hour. Up to that time the first West Chester Fame and Good Will Companies had thrown four chemical streams upon the fire, thus fighting a formidable blaze with chemicals alone. The frame stable where the flames were first discovered was completely destroyed, but a much larger one which stood within five feet of it on one side and several other adjacent properties, which for some time were in considerable danger, escaped damage. The firemen’s good work was especially noticeable.
Owing to the difficulty of getting over the ground quickly enough and the distance that had to be covered—one mile from West Chester, Pa., it took the firemen an hour to reach a stable fire and get a stream on what was left of the building at Cottage Hill, East. The run was longer and one of the fastest of the year and the nearest hydrant to the blaze was two blocks away. Owing to a mistaken report that the scene of the fire was some miles from West Chester, the first West Chester company took only its chemical engine, consequently no hydrant streams were thrown, which could have been done with good effect. As it was, the flames were fought with chemicals alone for one hour, after which the steamer of Fame Company got to work and pumped water up grade to the burning embers for nearly an hour. Up to that time the first West Chester Fame and Good Will Companies had thrown four chemical streams upon the fire, thus fighting a formidable blaze with chemicals alone. The frame stable where the flames were first discovered was completely destroyed, but a much larger one which stood within five feet of it on one side and several other adjacent properties, which for some time were in considerable danger, escaped damage. The firemen’s good work was especially noticeable.
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