West Haven, CT Fires, Dec 1893

INCENDIARY FIRES IN WEST HAVEN.

The Fire Department of the Town Was Kept Busy for Several Hours.

NEW-HAVEN, Conn., Dec. 29.---Two incendiary fires in West Haven to-night kept the Fire Department busy for several hours. The first consumed a barn owned by the late George Kelsey. By extinguishing a lively blaze the firemen prevented imminent destruction to adjacent buildings.

Before the burning barn was abandoned a general alarm called the department to the newly-erected Town Hall, which has just been completed at a cost of about $25,000, and which was ready for occupancy with the new year. The flames started in a closet on the ground floor and spread rapidly. The two lower floors were ruined, though the walls of the structure are thought to be still available. The furnished rooms of the Selectmen and borough officers were gutted, and the building will have to be refurnished throughout.

To-night the Burgesses offered a liberal reward for the detection of the guilty parties. More than half a dozen fires of the incendiary origin have created havoc in the town within six months, and the peaceful community is thoroughly aroused.

The New York Times, New York, NY 30 Dec 1893
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Transcribed by Linda Horton. Thank you, Linda!