The independent-reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1909-1955, 1915-10-28
BARN AND ANIMALS
BURNED
Serious Fire at Abner
Currier Farm
Occupants Arose Early 10 Investigate
Unusual Noise, But Flames We're
Not Discovered Then

Abner Cnrrier suffered a loss by
fire Of between $500 and $4,000 Tues
day, when the barn and stable on his
fine farm on the Ridge Road were
burned. The larger part Of the sea-
sons crop Of hay was also DESTROYED
as was a fatted hog. two pigs, a sheep
and about one hundred chickens. The
carriages and farming implements
were rescued, the stable being clear
ed, as the fire burned fercest where
it had its origin in the barn The
house did not catch, but the grain
shed connected herewith was at one
time on fire The barn on John
Moody's farm. which was nearby also
ignited, but the flames were contron-
ed. The Chiefs Call was sounded
and the chemical wagon made the
trip of four and one-half miles to the
scene Of the confagration in thirteen
minutes, while the hremen put up a
brave fight upon their arrival. Had
they been three minutes later. how
ever, the entire set of buildings would
probably have been doomed. There
was some insurance.
The origin OF the fire is a mystery
and certain facts would indicate that
it might have been the work of an in
ceIdiary. Mr.. Currier and his wife
arose at o'clock on the morning of
the fire, because of an unusual noise
in the barn. Fearing trouble with
some of the animals, Mr.. Currier in
vestigated. but found notheing 10 have
caused any unusual stir Later in
the forenoon his wife had an errand
in the building and she detected while
there square of glass dislodged
from one of the windows. but did not
notice anything else out of the ordin-
ary. In less than a half hour after
her return TO the house and at about
1880, Mr.. Currier, who was in the
the wood house saw flames emerging
from the cupola of the structure.
The alarm was given and the results
were such as have already been des-
cribed. Mr.. Currier stated toward
night Tuesday that he should rebuild.
This is the first occasion that our
new Chemical Motor Truck has been
called upon for service, at an import
ant con1agration. outside the village
limits. The results were decidedly
satisfactory and demonstrate the
ability of this machine TO cover a
wide field for fire protection Incl
dentally it should be mentioned that
the route was over the best road that
leads out of Skowhegan, the highway,
from the Engine House TO the Merrill
Four Corners, being practically all
improved State Aid Road This of
itself is a vivid argument for road
Improvement The machine was
driven by Charles Elwell. its official
chauffeur. Those who followed him
by automobile speak in the highest
terms of the skill he showed in max
ing quick time and still using care
and judgment at critical points. es-
pecially in making the corner four
miles out. a very difficult turn for so
heavy machine with such an ex-
tended wheelbase
Al the time OF its arrival the cor
ner of the grain house referred TO
above, was well ablaze, imperilling
the dwelling house with which it was
connected The fire from the burn
ing barn was so hot that the hose
men had TO be projected with doors
taken from nearby outhuildings. in
order to remain in position TO con-
tend with rhe flames The chemical
stream was at work within one minute
from the tIme the truck arrived in
the doorlari and the flames melted
away very rapidly II was the con-
ditiou for this form of fire apparatus
is best adapted and the result was
very pleasing There is .ftle doubt
thar without this new dre equipment,
tht house would have been destroyed.