  |
 |
|
This was the scene in Wilson early Friday as firefighters from around the area worked to stop a fire that engulfed several downtown buildings, including the historic Wilson Opera House. I-R photo by Juanita Kepka.
Historic Wilson building lost to fire
By I-R staff
Last Updated: November 06, 2009
Firefighters from Ellsworth County and other areas were in Wilson early Friday morning to battle a fire that could be seen for miles.
The fire call sounded at about 2:15 a.m. When firefighters arrived at the scene along Old Highway 40, at least one building was engulfed in flames and others were threatened. There were no injuries.
The fire quickly spread from building to building, with their common walls, as firefighters worked to stop the blaze. Gone was a doctor's clinic, a building where cars were stored and the town's historic Opera House, which was home to much of the Wilson's Czech history. Next in line was the American Legion building, which firefighters worked to save.
Fire trucks and other emergency vehicles blocked the highway. Spectators stood in small groups, watching as firefighters worked to save at least part of the Opera House. However, by 4 a.m., it was mostly a shell, its roof and windows gone.
Smoke and fire embers drifted over the town and the stench of burning wood filled the air.
Fire departments responding to the blaze included Wilson, Ellsworth, Holyrood, Dorrance, Kanopolis, Lincoln and Russell. There were about a dozen departments in all.
Read the Nov. 12 edition of the I-R for extensive coverage of the Wilson fire.
Home | News | Sports | Opinion | Obituaries | Area Communities | Community | Public Notices | Backyard Adventures
Blogs | NIE | Classifieds | Photo Gallery | Subscribers Only | Archives | About Us | Subscribe