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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.  

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