Shortly before 4:30 pm on June 26, 1961, smoke rose above Willard Avenue as rush hour traffic slowed and firefighters raced toward a growing blaze behind 134-136 Willard Avenue.

The fire had engulfed a 40-foot square, two-story wooden storage barn packed with burlap bags, furniture, and appliances used for nearby rental homes. Crews arrived to find heavy fire conditions and immediately called for additional units. Fire Chief Lewis Marshall also responded to the scene as firefighters battled to contain the rapidly spreading flames.

The intense radiant heat shattered windows in a nearby tenement building across the 50-foot alley, underscoring the fire conditions that crews faced that evening.

At the height of the fire, Firefighter (Acting Lieutenant) George Magnan was positioned in the building’s northwest corner, directing his crew, when he suddenly collapsed. Four firefighters rushed to his aid and carried him to the rescue unit on the scene.

Three other firefighters were also injured during the operation, including Lieutenant John McDonald, Firefighter John Merlino Jr., and Firefighter William Driscoll. All three were treated and released.

The fire was later suspected to have started by vagrants living inside the barn.

George is survived by his wife Doris; their sons Gerald and Donald; and their daughter, Lorraine. Later in 2005, they established the George and Doris Magnan Memorial Scholarship was created in their honor, to recognize the educational opportunities available at Bristol Community College, and support students in the Fire Science Technology Program.