Published Jan. 4, 1982 in The Ledger Independent
RIPLEY, Ohio — A fire of unknown origin swept through a storage warehouse on U.S. 52 in Ripley yesterday, destroying the building and threatening nearby structures. Several firemen were injured while fighting the blaze.
The fire apparently broke out shortly after 5 p.m., at the large warehouse which was once the site of the Trapp Lumber Company. The building was no longer in use, but did contain a wide range of items including lumber,paint and machinery from the lumber business, according to firemen on the scene. The building is apparently owned by the heirs of the late H.J. Trapp.
Four volunteer fire departments were on the scene of the blaze including units from Ripley, Georgetown, Aberdeen and Russellville.
At least three men were injured in the attempt to douse the fire. Billy Leonard and Don Chamberlain were reportedly caught by a falling wall shortly after the Ripley Fire Department arrived on the scene.
Another Ripley volunteer. Rick Eagan was apparently overcome by smoke, according to Ripley Fire Chief Tom Klump. Other reports suggested that an unidentified Russellville fireman was injured but the reason for and extent of his injuries could not be determined at press time yesterday.
“We feel pretty lucky about the extent of the damage,” said Fire Chief Klump at the scene late yesterday. “We contained the fire to the warehouse structure and kept it from spreading to residences, tobacco warehouses and other buildings nearby where the damages could have run in to millions of dollars.”
By 8:30 p.m., the firemen had reduced the blaze to a few hot spots and continued to monitor the areas. Traffic was tied up throughout the Ripley area as detours were set up to move U.S. 52 traffic around the blaze which was centered just across from the Ripley-Union-Lewis High School.
“We couldn’t have done it without the help of the other area departments,” Klump said. “The men and equipment made the difference in keeping the fire from getting out of control.”
No estimate was offered on the extent of the damage.
