Fan malfunction eyed as cause of fire that destroyed historic western Pa. metal forge

Fan malfunction may have sparked Pa. forge fire

GROVE CITY, Pa. — Fire officials in western Pennsylvania say a malfunctioning fan may have been responsible for the blaze that destroyed a historic metal forge that made ashtrays for the ill-fated German airship the Hindenburg.

Fire chief Jeff Badger of the Grove City Volunteer Fire Department says the blaze started at about 1:30 p.m. Saturday in the workshop at the Wendell August Forge, where awards and trophies are made. He says lacquer was being sprayed on the items and a vent fan may have gone out, allowing heat to build up and spark the blaze.

Badger says about 100 firefighters battled the flames. All employees and customers were able to escape unharmed.

Wendell August president Will Knecht says the firm plans to rebuild “as soon as possible.”