The Peek Inn Cafe at 292 Scott St. was badly damaged by fire which was reported at 2:45 a.m. this morning. Although the flames, starting in the vicinity of the soda fountain swept up through the first floor and through the roof. The walls of the building were not badly damaged, according to fire chief R.E. Readman.
The fire was observed by “Pedo” Carpenter, local taxi driver, who reported the fire to Constables George Armstrong and E.P. Stokes on Duty. After notifying the fire department, police aroused Jim and George Dong, owners of the Peek Inn, who resided in the upstairs apartment. Theri prompt action made it possible for the Dongs to escape safely before being overcome by dense smoke which began to fill the building.
Firemen were hampered by the smoke and gas combustion, Fire Chief Readman said. While Chief Readman and Firemen Ned Gosselin and H. Solderholm were pulling off the tin ceiling to get at the fire, a series of explosions knocked down Readman and made their positions dangerous.
The flames raced along the interior covering of the brick walls, up beneath the tin ceilings and on up to the roof. The firemen worked hard to confine the blaze to the two-storey building as well as to stop the fire. Because of their efforts, the fire did not spread back toward the kitchen although smoke and water damage to the entire building was very extensive.
