Thawing Pipes Causes Fire

On February 8, 1934 at 9:00 a.m. firemen were sent to Richard Avenue, near Queen Street for a house fire. A kerosene soaked corncob being used to thaw a frozen pipe on the first floor started a fire that damaged two rooms. The burning corncob was laid beside a pipe in the kitchen wall catching the wall on fire and extending to the room above. A damage estimate was not available. The Vigilant Hose and Cumberland Valley Hose companies extinguished the blaze. Firemen thinking it was just a chimney fire sent a chemical engine only and had to return to quarters to turn in the general alarm bringing engines from both companies. Borough fire chief Burkholder later explained that citizens need to state if it is a chimney fire or a more serious fire. In the case of a chimney fire the chemical engine only is sent a more serious fire brings a general alarm and fire engines from both companies.