On behalf of Twenty Peaceful Minutes, I would like to share our condolences for the owners and employees of the businesses that were affected by this fire. I would also like to thank the Forney Fire Department and countless others who worked so bravely under extremely dangerous conditions. 20PM is proud of the work that you have done, and that no one was hurt in the incident thanks to your hard work.
—Jenna Warren, Twenty Peaceful Minutes

Read the 20PM Discussion regarding this fire by clicking here

Story and Photos by Cary Griffin, Forney Messenger

A fire that broke out at 3:00 a. m. Wednesday at Philbeck’s Antiques on the north side of U. S. 80 destroyed the antique dealer’s main showroom by causing the ceiling to collapse. Fire fighters were able to save the contents of an adjoining gun shop, even though the exterior of the shop sustained damage comparable to that at Philbeck’s. On a news broadcast that aired around 6:10 a. m., Forney Fire Chief Rick Townsend called the Philbeck’s building “a total loss” but added that there were no injuries in the fire. Townsend said that a cause for the fire would be determined after what remains of the antique building is declared safe to enter. Fire and other emergency personnel remained on the scene until well after 8:00 a. m.

This story and any accompanying photo(s) were originally published in the Forney Messenger and are Copyright © 2009, Forney Messenger, Inc. and have been used by permission. The Forney Messenger is the publisher of Kaufman County’s oldest newspaper and may be found online at www.ForneyMessengerInc.com

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