Main Street ~ Bradford

On February 12, 1992, another general alarm fire struck Main Street and threatened to destroy an entire city block. First firefighters arrived at the corner of Main and Kennedy Streets shortly after 8 P.M. and immediately called for a general alarm. The fire originated on the second floor of either the Olde Towne Market or Arlene’s Bridal Boutique and was already through the roof as firefighters placed hose lines into operation. The fire spread to the Coin Shop located on Kennedy Street and to Puttin’ on the Knitz and Party Time on Main Street. By 9:30 P.M. the fire had spread to the third and fourth floors of the Main Place Plaza. The Masonic Lodge on Main Street and Graham’s Florist on Kennedy Street were both threatened by the fire. Firemen remained on the scene until 5 P.M. the next day. Nine businesses were destroyed and damage was estimated at over $750,000. The corner building was built in the late 1880’s and was one of the oldest buildings remaining on Main Street. Bradford Township responded with three engines and 20 firefighters. Engine 151 was positioned on Kennedy Street and placed its portable deluge gun into operation at the rear of the building. Engine 153 was positioned on Chestnut Street and placed its portable deluge gun into operation on Main Street between the Masonic Temple and the Rosen building. Crews operated several additional hand lines at the front, side and rear of the building. Hand lines were advanced into the Rosen building in an effort to save the building, but crews were evacuated from the building as the fire rapidly gained control of the building. Additional hand lines were stretched into the Masonic Temple to protect it from the fire.