GC Johnson1, in charge of the County Infirmary, sustained burns about the hands and had his clothing damaged by fire about 5:30 o’clock Friday evening when gasoline ignited from a lantern he was carrying. Mr. Johnson was preparing his car to Grange meeting at Pond Run when burned. He had a five gallon can into which he was drawing gasoline from a 30 gallon tank He had the five gallon container filled, then picked up his lantern in his left hand and held it so he could see to turn off the cock of the 30 gallon tank with his right hand. Fumes from the five gallon can of gas ignited and the flames communicated to the 30 gallon container.”
“Mr. Johnson knocked over the five gallon can scattering the burning fluid. He then gave his attention to moving the burning 30 gallon tank from near the brick garage. While moving the big tank off its blocks he burned his hands. The tank melted at the joints and burst open, allowing the burning gas to spread over the ground. Fearful that the fire might communicate to the garage and then to the Infirmary building a call was sent in for a company of firemen from the city. One engine crew responded, but Mr. Johnson and other employees at the County Home had the fire out when they arrived at the scene.”2
- George Clarence Johnson
- Gasoline Fire Menaces County Infirmary; Supt. John Burned Smothering the Flames. (1926, January 2). Portsmouth Daily Times, p. 3.
