Short-Circuit Blamed In Fire That Destroyed Wilbur Shop

Fri., May 9, 1997

From Staff And Wire Reports

An electrical short-circuit is believed to have caused a fire that destroyed a large tool-and-supply shop in this Eastern Washington farm town.

Fire crews responded after flames were spotted coming out of the front of the wooden building early Wednesday evening, officials said. Within an hour, only a few walls were left standing.

No injuries were reported.

The fire is believed to have started in an attic, Wilbur Fire Chief Larry Clark said Thursday. Wiring to an overhead door opener is suspected, he said.

The 82-year-old shop’s destruction will temporarily force area farmers to drive to Davenport or Spokane to get supplies. Wilbur is about 65 miles northwest of Spokane.

The shop was owned by the Central Washington Grain Growers Association. Manager John Anderson said the cooperative hoped to set up a temporary shop in Wilbur to supply farmers until a new structure can be built.

He estimated the loss at between $180,000 and $200,000. , DataTimes

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