Historic Hood River
Kelly Brothers/ Big 7 Fire
1-26-2022
Notes
This is the HRFD fighting the 1939 Kelly Brothers/ Big 7 fire. We saw another view of this big fire a few years ago. The photo was taken by Howard Jones.
This building was rebuilt, and now houses Gorge Networks and several other businesses.
L.E.
Looks like big beams falling as he snaps the photo?
According to the 1940 census, Howard Jones worked for the newspaper.
The August 4, 1939 White Salmon newspaper says the fire was July 29. Five firemen were injured. Cause was undetermined. Wind was a problem.
Jack Evans, chief engineer of the apple association prevented an explosion by entering the burning building and attached two sets of hose to ammonia tanks and drained 3,500 pounds of ammonia.
$80,000 worth of three year old brandy was lost.