Sunday, October 26, 2008

$800,000 Blaze Hits Machine Shop

On October 26, 1999 at 10:00 p.m. Franklin County alerted an 11 box to 5800 Cumberland Highway, Paul E. Lehman Inc for a building fire. A fire of suspicious origin destroyed a 14,000 square foot machine shop and put more than 60 people out of work. When firefighters arrived they found the machine shop and several offices heavily involved in fire. About two hours earlier firefighters had responded to a trash bin fire outside at the same location. It took firefighters from 12 companies over an hour to control the blaze. Firefighters were able to save six computers that were termed critical to the business and remove dangerous chemicals before they could be involved in the blaze. Damages were estimated at $800,000. The Vigilant Hose, Cumberland Valley Hose and West End Fire and Rescue companies assisted at the scene.

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

I remember this fire very well, I was A/C 11 at the time and lived across the parking lot from the building involved, was home for the dumpster fire but was at the station when the second one came in. Talk about a call that hits close to home, about 500 ft from home.
Greg S.