From the Richmond Times-Dispatch, 7/31/1948, p. 3, c. 3

Storage Building is Destroyed In Spectacular Afternoon Fire

A spectacular two-alarm fire destroyed a storage building at the Tredegar Iron Works at the south end of Sixth Street yesterday afternoon.

The fire, which broke out shortly after 5 o’clock, drew thousands of spectators to Gamble’s Hill Park, overlooking the plant. Spectators also lined the Lee Bridge and the near-by river bank.

The first fire truck arrived, flames were shooting skyward amid a dense cloud of black smoke. A box alarm was sounded a few minutes later and a second alarm was turned in at about 5:30 P. M.

Firemen from seven engine companies and one truck company battled the blaze for nearly an hour before bringing it under control, Fire Chief John F. Finnegan said.

An employee of the company said that the building was used for storing machinery and that a number of creosote railroad ties also were in the building.

The origin of the blaze had not been determined by Fire Department officials last night.

Damage to the building and its contents was expected to be several thousand dollars, Chief Finnegan said.

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