Fear of fires has been with York County residents since buildup in small towns brought houses close enough together for a minor blaze to turn major.
Fire officials particularly cautioned against chimney fires from the build up of soot and grease.
Their worst fears came true 150 years ago this year when fire, starting in a stable, destroyed an entire York block.
High winds fanned flames, and they destroyed 17 frame buildings and the brick Laurel Fire Co. in what one newspaper termed: "about the most destructive and alarming conflagration that ever occurred in York. ..."
Continue reading York's worst blaze struck 150 years ago.
