Ole Red Fire Engine has a new home!

The Three Forks Historical Center garage building is the new home for the Lee County Fire Department antique fire engine. Locally known as "Ole Red" this was the first engine that the local community had. The truck itself is a 1953 Chevy and it remained the only fire truck up until the devastating runaway gas truck explosion of 1977 that killed 7 people, set several buildings and 50 parked cars along Main Street in Beattyville on fire.

Wallace Todd in the driver seat of the firetruck while co-worker Ferrell Wise gives him a gentle push with the backhoe.

Mayor of Beattyville Scott Jackson guiding Ole Red through the doors.

Pictured in the back: Ferrell Wise, city employee. Josh Smith museum board member. Front row: Charlie Sawyer, city employee. Mayor of Beattyville Scott Jackson, and Wallace Todd city employee.

More info on the 1977 Runaway Gas Truck Explosion...

Currier Journal Article Sept 1977.pdf
File Size:	803 kb
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Associated Press Sept 1977 Article.pdf
File Size:	315 kb
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Currier Journal Article Truck Driver Cleared Sept 1977.pdf
File Size:	321 kb
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Link to Highway Accident Report

Link to Artifact Spotlight: burnt money