Two spectacular fires in one night October 22, 1931, a 4 Alarm Fire consumed 5 stores on South Main between Union and Monroe. $200,000.00 fire loss. The fire is believed to have originated in the basement of the Palmer Clothing Company. Other stores damaged were the Gayoso Trunk and Bag Co. The National Furniture Store, Dodge Clothiers, and the McClellan Store. The fire was discovered at 6PM and within a few minutes 14 Pumpers and 4 Trucks plus the Water Tower and other auxiliary pieces were there. Engine’s 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,20,22,25, and 17 along with Truck’s 2 3,and 5. Nearly 250 fire fighters were battling the fires. Assistant Chief Irby Klinck was directing the fire in place of Chief John T Moore. 40 streams of water were being thrown on the fire. The Water Company advised that more than 646,000 gallons of water was used. 15 Fire Fighters and 1 police officer were injured. The Police Officer, 26 year veteran, Charles J Redders, 63 of 944 Tully died from his massive injuries on 11/09/1931. Officer Redders was directing traffic at Union and Second when he was run over by Engine 12 as they were backing up to spot a hydrant. The Following Fire Fighters were also injured: Lt. William Bailey, 53 of Engine 4 injured shoulder. Private Willie Jerome, 31, Engine 15, overcome by smoke. Private Dan Floyd, 53, Engine 5, cut wrist. Driver Joe Garner, 25, Truck 4 cut on right hand and left wrist. Private W.E. Peterson, Engine 5, overcome by smoke. Private E.W.Hofer, Engine 3, overcome by smoke. Captain Ed Kelly, 53, Engine 4, overcome by smoke. Captain Mike Highland, Engine 3, overcome by smoke. Private W.T. Nelson, Engine 4, overcome by smoke. Lt. Oscar Patton, Engine 4, overcome by smoke. Lt. Cleve Atwell, Engine 15, overcome by smoke. Lt. R.G.Johnson, 35, Engine 7, overcome by smoke. Captain M.Y. Gibson, Engine 7, cut lip. Private B.J.Connley, 25 Engine 15, overcome by smoke. Almost 2 miles of hose was laid. The blaze was brought under control at 910 PM. All of the Ambulances in town were dispatched with the “ Lung Motors” to assist overcome fire fighters. More than 2000 spectators added to the problem. The second major fire of the night occurred at the Empire Floor and Lumber Company located at 181 West Mallory. A 2nd alarm fire that would have gotten more companies, only got 3 Engines that fought the fire for more than an hour.
Posted on: Wed, 14 Aug 2013 06:46:15 +0000
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