Clark Street Fire

November 4 - Wednesday: In the wee hours of the day fire destroyed a vacant house at 2035 Clark Avenue. According to newspaper accounts the first call was received a 2 o'clock in the morning and flames were shooting out of every window by the time firefighters arrived on the scene. The house is owned by Main Street resident Joe Pappas. WFD Chief Bill Smith estimated the value of the house at $24,000 which was a "total loss" according to the papers.

The Jim DeLauder home next door was saved but suffered "more than $20,000 in damages". Members of that family told the press that the smoke detectors were going off but it was the family dogs that first got their attention that something was wrong. Members of the Wellsville PD were first on the scene and got everyone out to safety by the time the firemen arrived.

Wellsville was assisted by both the Highlandtown and Liverpool VFD. Nice job by all saving the house next door. Cause of the fire is unknown but not deemed suspicious. Good neighbors from McDonalds sent breakfast sandwiches for the fire fighters who were still on the scene at 8 o'clock fighting hot spots and cleaning up.

ole nib