What may be described as one of the closest calls that the Town of
Whitehorse has ever had of being razed by fire was averted by prompt action on the part of our fire brigade and the townspeople early Wednesday morning.
The fire, which broke out in the Fire Hall tower, was discovered about
1:15 am. by Harry Flaherty and Sam McClimon, Yukon Electrical Company employee at the Power Hous, who was on duty at the time. Flaherty immediately sounded the alarm and McClimon dashed into the garage portion of the Hall and removed his car, the gasoline tank of which was in danger of exploding. A few minutes later, volunteers and firemen came rushing from all points and in a remarkably short time hose lines were run out and the battle was on between the fire fighters and the flames - and it was a battle. Seldom ever has there been such a stubborn blaze and this, coupled with the inability to get water direct to the base of the flames, made it more so. Had the holocaust ever extended to the boiler room of the power plant, the fire fighting apparatus would have then been rendered useless and the pumps destroyed. Had this occurred the town would have been in imminent danger of being razed to the ground. However, the diligent and untiring efforts of the fighters prevented the flames from extending in that direction. It was also very fortunate that there was no wind whatsoever to fan the blaze - and had there been, the battle may have ended somewhat differently.
After about an hour's fighting the flames were more or less checked and by 8 a.m. the blaze was practically extinguished. Due credit must he given to our fire brigade, who once more proved their efficiency - and to those public-spirited citizens who responded immediately to the eerie call of the siren and battled the flames so courageously. It is to be hoped that no serious illness will result to any of them as they were drenched repeatedly, many of them having to change clothing several times, and with the temperature at 14 below zero, it was a mighty cold job. Fire Chief George Walker is to be commended on the able manner in which he handled the fighters and the apparatus. George
Ryder, our former Chief also deserves much_ praise for his herculean efforts in fighting the blaze.
The debris is being cleared up in the meantime and the Hall put into a workable condition pending a re-building appropriation for the damaged portions. The fire fighting apparatus will be moved back into the hall when this is completed. The appropriation to repair the building will he asked for at the next meeting of the Council.
While the walls and first floor of the structure are undamaged, the entire roof will have to be renewed.
