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The 1912 Fire
On April 27, 1912, a massive fire destroyed 23 buildings in downtown Wellsburg. A spark from a passing locomotive set fire to Lockwood’s coal and lumber yard. Local firefighters responded quickly, but there was not enough pressure in the water lines to put out the flames. Elmira firefighters arrived by train with a pumper truck at around 4:30 p.m. With the extra help, they were able to stop the flames from spreading further, and the blaze was finally under control by around 7:00 p.m. Much of the village’s business center was destroyed, but no one was injured. The fire caused nearly $75,000 in damage.
 View of fire's destructionThe village’s reservoir had been drained for cleaning just before the fire broke out. Because of that, there was not enough pressure in the water pipes to allow local firefighters to extinguish the flames. |
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 After the fire Baldwin's Mill, Wellsburg, N.Y.Among the buildings destroyed by the fire were two hotels, three general stores, two feed mills, the carriage factory, the opera house, and five residences. |
 All that was left of the Exchange HotelFirefighters were able to keep the flames from spreading to residences past the Exchange Hotel, but the hotel itself was destroyed. |
 The Fire is Getting a Nice Start |
 General View of the Fire at Night Wellsburg, N.Y. |
 Fire at Wellsburg, N.Y. Apr. 27.12. |
 Wellsburg Fire, 1912 |
 The Fire Drew This Crowd |
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