By The Associated Press
ILWACO, Wash. — A late-night fire burned the town fire station and most of the equipment inside, including the department's only ambulance, officials said today.
"I can't believe that it happened. But I'm standing her looking at it and it's gone," Fire Chief Tom Williams said. "This little department has been here since 1887."
Nobody was in the station when the fire was reported at about 11 p.m. Thursday, Williams said. Firefighters were able to save one fire engine and a smaller truck, but the building and remaining equipment were destroyed.
Along with the agency's lone ambulance, the blaze wrecked a pumper truck, equipment for 27 volunteer firefighters, and a 1950s-era fire engine used in parades.
The fire wasn't considered suspicious. Electrical problems were one possible cause, because the fire apparently started on a wall that houses an electrical panel, Williams said.
Nearby departments at Long Beach and Chinook will provide backup fire service. Williams said Ilwaco's department may be able to operate by this weekend, using its remaining trucks and equipment donated from other departments.
The Ilwaco fire house, which was insured, also was used for City Council meetings and by the Red Cross, City Clerk Lori Mossman said.
No comments:
Post a Comment