Unoccupied House Burns On Whitmer Road

On October 5, 1979 at 1:33 a.m. firefighters responded to a house fire on the Whitmer Road. A fire of undetermined origin destroyed an unoccupied 24 X 24 foot one story house. Strong winds fanning the flames and fire apparatus having to take a longer route because they were unable to cross the Baltimore bridge contributed the house being a total loss. This was the first fire in that area since the local fire departments quit crossing the bridge in August because of the 12 ton weight limit. A damage estimate was not available. The Vigilant Hose, South Newton Twp. and West End Fire and Rescue companies answered the alarm.