P&R Engine Drops A Spark On Roof Causing Fire

On May 3, 1909 at 11:45 a.m. a passing Philadelphia and Reading Railroad dropped a spark on the roof of a house in the area of the P&R freight yard on Seneca Street. The strong winds along with the construction of the nearly 100-year-old house spread the fire rapidly. Both hose companies were on the seen quickly and had three streams of water playing on the fire. The second floor and attic were destroyed. A damage estimate was not available. The Vigilant Hose and Cumberland Valley Hose companies battled the blaze.