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   DIR Return to: THIS DAY IN FIRE HISTORY
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       #Post#: 99--------------------------------------------------
       On this day. . .January 29th
   DIR By: Diable Fire
       Date: January 29, 2011, 7:58 am
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       1902- Near 6:00 a.m. smoke was discovered at the Baltimore
       Merchandise Department store at 4-6 S. Second Street.  Whoever
       discovered the smoke had to trudge through a heavy snowstorm to
       Box 112 at Second and Strawberry to sound the alarm. The horses
       of the department pulled hard to drag the heavy apparatus to the
       location.  Upon entry, firemen discovered a stubborn smoky fire
       in the front cellar stockroom in which a large quantity of
       spring clothing stock was stored.  This stock was either
       destroyed by fire or damaged by smoke and water.  The thick
       acrid smoke blocked first attempts to enter the cellar.  Fire at
       one point reached the third floor through partitions, bur
       firemen made a good stop here.  The main floors however
       collapsed and/or sagged dangerously as the joists beneath burned
       through.  Officially listed as “undetermined” fire officials
       leaned toward faulty wiring as the cause.  Fire Chief George
       Lutz struck the 2-2-2 or general alarm fifteen minutes into the
       alarm.  Box 112 registered at 5:55 a.m.  Overall loss was
       estimated at $57,000.   Fire Chief Lutz and Assistant Chief John
       Kindler were harassed during the fire by several members of the
       Paxton Engine No. 6 who were under the influence of alcohol.
       Later that afternoon, the Washington Hose No. 4 was sent back
       for a flare-up in the ruins.
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