Fire at old G.O. Carlson building was set

by Allen Davis
Staff Writer
Posted: Tuesday, 16 Oct. 07; 2:15 p.m.

A fire that damaged the second floor of the old G.O. Carlson office building at West Lincoln Highway and Church Street Thursday night was set, according to the city Fire Chief Kevin Johnson.

"It was set," Johnson told the Coatesville Redevelopment Authority at its meeting last night.

Johnson said the building was not structurally damaged and is now secure. The RDA purchased building when it bought the now defunct G.O. Carlson Inc. stainless steel plant.

Johnson said an individual was seen running from the building moments before the fire broke out. "My understanding is that kids have been going in and out of the building," he said.

Johnson then asked the RDA to use the building for training purposes. He said firefighters have to be able to work their way through floors, ceilings and walls. "The only way to learn it is to actually do it," he said.

Johnson said load bearing walls would be left untouched. "The structural integrity of the building would not be compromised," said Johnson. "A lot of the area damaged in the fire you would have to take out anyway."

RDA President Paul Givler said he had no objection to the fire department using the building.

John Pawlowski, of Madison Street, said he was across the street from the building when the fire broke out. "In the blink of an eye the area as flooded with firefighting apparatus. The action of the firefighters is what kept damage to a minimum," he said.

Johnson estimated damage at $25,0000.

You can e-mail Allen Davis at: allen@chestercountyreporter.com