Hedberg
Service Station Fire
News Examiner, Thursday, 14 October 1937,
page 1
The Service Station, Garage, Blacksmith shop and living quarters of Val Hedberg were completely demolished when fire broke out in the service station in Ovid last Friday. The total loss of property and equipment was estimated to be over $3000.
The fire was started by the stove in the front of the service station from an explosion of coal dust. The explosion of the stove immediately ignited a can of tar close by and the fire soon spread beyond the control ob Mr. Hedberg who had just stepped out of the station. The fire occurred about nine o'clock and no insurance was carried on the property or equipment. Shortly after the alarm was turned in the Montpelier Fire Department was at the scene and doing everything to combat the fierceness of the blaze. However, they confronted difficulty in finding the best source of water which proved to be what is known as the lower irrigating ditch.
By that time the fire had done most of the destruction including all household furnishings, clothing, garage and blacksmith equipment, tires and many other valuables. Mr. Hedberg's foresight prevented the gasoline tank, which was buried four feet under the ground, from exploding. Reconstruction of the station is underway and will be replaced as soon as conditions permit.
Mr. Hedberg wishes to express his gratitude and appreciation to the Montpelier Fire Department and all others who aided for their able assistance.