USA: West Virginia Brewing Company discovered on fire in early morning
The immense plant of the West Virginia Brewing Company, at Central City, was discovered to be on fire in the morning of June 08 at 2:30 o’clock. The fire evidently originated in the upper story directly over the engine room, and was under full headway when discovered, the brewery’s own whistle blew the alarm, and soon the Central City fire department was on the scene, and hard at work trying to check the progress of the flames, The Huntington News posted June 08.
Realizing that local facilities were inadequate to cope with the situation a call was sent to the Huntington fire department, and the hose cart and hook and ladder wagon of Central station made a record-breaking run to Central City, and arrived in time to be of great assistance in the work of checking the fire, but too late to save the big plant, whose doom was already sealed.
The brewery proper was entirely destroyed, but it was stated at 4 o’clock this morning that persistent and well-directed effort on the part of the fire companies had saved the ice plant practically intact, thus reducing the enormous loss of the brewing proper.
As it is, persons in position to judge the full extent of the loss sustained by the company operating the brewery, will aggregate a figure approximating $300,000. It is believed that the insurance on the property will probably cover half this loss. These statements are wholly unofficial, but come from sources fairly reliable.
The West Virginia Brewery was one of the oldest industries of Central City, and was one of the most stable breweries in this part of the Ohio Valley. The plant employed from 50 to 75 men.
When the fire alarm was sounded there was instantly a big crowd in evidence, and by the time the conflagration was in full headway almost the entire population of the city was out. Throughout the progress of the fire there was numerous loud explosions, presumably caused by the various gas tanks used in connection with operating the plant.
The plant of the brewing company was completely overhauled and renovated but a short time ago, and it was one of the most perfect, and decidedly one of the most costly in the State. While no statement from those in authority could be had last night, there is little doubt that the brewery will be rebuild as soon as money and labor can accomplish the work.
Later estimated place the loss at $200,000, the insurance covering practically 80 per cent of the loss. The fire companies are still plying streams of water on the ruins. It is now believed that parts of the outer walls will stand intact, but the ruin of the big establishment is complete. The firemen were greatly hampered in their work by the fact that the condition of the water main at that point is such as to afford only an indifferent pressure.
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