Fire Destroys Wellsville Residence

The fire was discovered shortly before noon by a neighbor when she went out to warm up her car. It is unknown how long the fire had been going but attempts to enter the house were not possible with the intense heat and smoke. We believe the house was fully involved by the time it was called in to the Fire Dept. When we arrived on the scene fire fighters were working on all four sides outside. We could see them move from one spot to another only to have to come right back to the spot they just left. Saying it was a persistent stubborn fire would be an understatement.

With the winds the smoke was so thick at times you couldn't see anything. Reporter Jo Ann Bobby-Gilbert wrote she could spot the smoke from Campground Road. The house next door at 815 Washington with the eaves nearly touching one another suffered severe damage when the fire spread to its attic. The outside walls are only four or five feet apart. Although a bed room ceiling had to be pulled down fireman were able to contain the spreading fire in short order. That house is rented by the Mike Dalrymple family. Yesterday the owner told us there is a lot of work to be done but it can be salvaged. He already had a crew on hand doing clean up in preparation for the repairs. Back around 1870 that house at 815 was used as a school house for Wellsville's first and second graders.

Thank the good Lord for our Volunteer Firemen, other Volunteer companies, friends and neighbors. It was overwhelming to see all that responded when the alarm went out and word spread. Liverpool Twp. & Highlandtown VFDs had men and equipment on the scene. Life Team & Tri-County had ambulances there. We saw a Life Team fellow manning a fire hose. We even spotted an off-duty deputy sheriff helping where ever he could. There were retired volunteer fire fighters that responded. Mrs. Daniels pastor, Bishop Bill Rudder of New Life Worship Center along with Pastor Troy Warner of First Christian, were on hand to offer comfort and assistance. Mrs. Daniels was being consoled with wonderful family support rushing there from all over. A whole corps of folks pitched in carrying possessions out of the Dalrymple home after it was determined safe to enter the house. Nearly everyone there was willing to do whatever they could. We didn't see anyone that had to be asked.

Just the day before WFD Chief Bill Smith was addressing Wellsville's Council about the dire need of additional fire fighters. Losing a home and family pet is a very tragic situation. It could have been much worse. Mrs. Daniels indicated her belief that God told her to get out of that house along with her children the night before.

God bless Beth and her family.

ole nib