Six-Alarm Fire Perils Block In Brookline

Three Firemen Hurt Fighting Flames

A six-alarm fire threatened an entire business block in Brookline last night when flames swept a two-story brick building at 968 Brookline Boulevard, injuring three firemen and causing damage estimated at $10,000.

Firemen from fourteen companies kept the fire to the Old Walnut Shop and brought it under control within two hours.

The fire broke out in the basement of the building occupied by the Walnut Shop, and was discovered by Jack Hirsch, the proprietor. He notified Mrs. Earl M. Shrauger, living on the second floor and she called firemen.

Fed by varnish and lacquer stocks on the premises, the fire raced through the building and the six alarms were rung in quick succession.

Fire equipment jammed the wide thoroughfare, and all traffic was halted. Police rerouted auto traffic, and a shuttle streetcar service was operated from Brookline Junction to the scene, near Chelton Avenue, for two hours.

Dense smoke rolled over the neighborhood, and the families of Edward W. Haas Jr. and Arthur G. Raybould, both living next door at 966 Brookline Boulevard, left their homes when the structure was menaced.

Fireman Paul Duttine, 52, was injured when a ladder fell, causing the nozzle of the hose he was holding to strike him in the abdomen. He was taken to Presbyterian Hospital.

* Article copied from the January 23, 1945 Pittsburgh Press *