History from the pages of the Forks Forum Feb. 22, 1951
Fire destroys school building and contents
The old Forks Grade School building, erected in 1914, was destroyed by fire early Tuesday morning and the blaze aided by strong southeast wind threatened adjoining buildings and even the business district and several residences.
Seven trucks equipped with firefighting equipment were used by volunteers and others to battle the blaze. The volunteer firemen assisted by residents of the community put up a valiant fight and succeeded in their efforts to confine the blaze to the old grade school.
However, the firefighters said, “The storm sewers saved our “bacon.” Two trucks pumped from the storm sewer which assisted greatly with the inadequate water in the mains for such a large fire.
The men believe that this additional water was the only thing that saved adjoining buildings. The storm sewers were built here in 1946 by the Town of Forks and was so constructed that water could be pumped from it in case of fire.
Meanwhile 90 to 100 children are without classroom facilities and the lunch room which served all three schools. School was closed Tuesday but reopened Wednesday and the school board expected to hold a special meeting to arrange emergency housing for the students, possibly holding classes in the gym or in local churches.
At the fire there were three trucks from Forks, the state forestry truck from Tyee, a Rayonier Inc. truck from Sappho and two pumpers from Snider Ranger Station.
Two trucks were used to patrol the town on the look out for other fires that may have started from sparks and cinders blown from the blazing building. Several small roof fires were started but quickly extinguished.
The community owes a vote of thanks to all who assisted in fighting the fire. Fire Chief Ray Ellis fell through the floor of the building and bruised his leg and injured his nose.
Starts from oil stove
Investigators believe the fire started from an oil stove in a classroom in the southeast corner of the building. The alarm was turned in about 2 a.m. Tuesday morning by Mrs. Ernest Wittenborn who happened to see the fire from her bedroom window. The fire had a good start. Other buildings threatened were the newer grade school built in 1941 (the Annex) the grade school play shed and the residence occupied by Supt. and Mrs. W.H. Brown and their son Ronnie.
At one stage of the fire, firemen thought it advisable to remove the furniture and other personal belongings from the Brown home. The furniture was moved back in the house after the fire subsided.
Damage estimate
Cost of the building was $18,000 when it was constructed in 1914. A conservative and rough estimate of fire loss has been placed at $7,000. There is a separate insurance policy on the equipment and other supplies.
In the old grade school building were four classrooms and a cafeteria. It will be impossible for the school to serve hot lunches for the remainder of the school year. Parents are advised to send lunches to school with their children. The school will make an effort to furnish milk to children at school cost.
The old school was not used for classes after the construction of the newer six-room school in 1941. During World War II the building was headquarters for the USO and the Red Cross.
New school planned
Voters last fall approved a bond and special tax levy for construction of a new grade school this summer. It is hope that the new school will be built and ready for occupancy next fall.
