North Attleboro, Massachusetts – November 25, 1949
On the afternoon of November 25, 1949, a fire broke out in the repair hangar at Wilkins Airport. A mechanic who was working on a four-seat Bellanca cabin airplane inside the building when the fire started, attempted to fight the flames with a fire extinguisher, but was unsuccessful. He then closed the open doors thus reducing fresh air to the flames and called the fire department.
The flames began to consume the airplane and spread to the main hangar, so the North Attleboro fire chief called for re-enforcements and engines from the neighboring town of Plainville responded. There were no hydrants in the area which hindered firemen in their efforts, but the flames were eventually halted, but not before the Bellanca was destroyed. It was valued at $6,000.
The cause of the fire was not readily determined, but was thought to have started with a short curcut.
There were no reported injuries.
Source: The Pawtucket Times, “Fire destroys $6,000 Plane at North Attleboro Airport”, November 26, 1949, pg. 5
