Yankton, SD Warehouse Fire, July 1959

FOUR FIREMEN SUFFER BURNS IN YANKTON BLAZE.

Yankton (AP) -- Four volunteer firemen were burned Wednesday afternoon while fighting a blaze at the warehouse and workshop of Underground, Inc., sewer and water line construction company, on Second Street, between Walnut and Douglas. Two of the firemen remained in the hospital Thursday.
Reported in good condition at Sacred Heart Hospital Thursday were E. F. "HAP" CHYTKA and BENNETT LOWE. They received the major impact of heat from a back draft as they opened a small front door into the building.
LAWRENCE HASS was released after emergency treatment at the hospital Wednesday afternoon. His brother, CLARENCE HAAS, was treated for burns at a local clinic. All of the men suffered first and second degree burns about the arms, face and neck.
Extensive damage was done to the contents of the metal frame structure. Frank Branaught, operator of the business, estimated damage to the building and contents at around $8,500. Included in the loss were a 16-foot boat and 35 hp motor, which were in the workshop at the time.
A fire department spokesman said the cause of the fire was not known, but it may have come from an explosion in the workshop.

Daily Republic Mitchell South Dakota 1959-07-09
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Researched and Transcribed by Stu Beitler. Thank you, Stu!