Candy Cane Lane storage building a total loss in early morning fire

West Frankfort fire fighters look for hot spots after an early morning fire consumed a storage building at Candy Cane Lane.

By BRUCE A. FASOL

West Frankfort firefighters were called to a storage building fire early Thursday morning on Candy Cane Lane. The building was owned by the extensive Christmas display’s founder Tim Murphy. It was fully engulfed when firefighters arrived, and was a total loss.

Murphy told FranklinCounty-News.com that among the items destroyed in the blaze was his own personal scooter, and his late fathers truck, which he kept in the building. Numerous other items also were kept inside.

“Normally my own truck would have been inside, but not last night,” he said.

And the building served as a storage area for the hundreds of Christmas display items now out in Murphy’s yard for the holiday season.

The West Frankfort Fire Department responded with numerous apparatus including the rig which allowed them to shoot water down on the pole barn structure. The aerial ladder provided that capability and other units were there in support, along with the WFFD ambulance.

 All that remained of the building was rubble, which firefighters continued to probe in the eight o’clock hour for hot spots.
The cause of the fire is not know at this early stage, but remains under investigation.
Murphy himself seems convinced of the cause.
“Someone set it,” he immediately replied when asked. There was also a previous fire in the same building a few months prior to this morning’s fire.
Candy Cane Lane, which grew out of Murphy’s elaborate home displays decades ago into a multi-block drive-through affair that draws thousands each Christmas season, has been the scene of numerous acts of vandalism this year. The wooden displays have been spray-painted and moved, and display items and floodlights have been stolen.
FranklinCounty-News.com will continue to follow this story and update as the fire’s cause is investigated.

Vandals strike West Frankfort’s Candy Cane Lane

By BRUCE A. FASOL

In just the few weeks that West Frankfort’s Candy Cane lane has been under construction for the year, an unusual amount of vandalism has already occurred. It is a scenario that worries organizers Tim Murphy, and sister Marilyn Murphy.

Originally, a display “The Twelve Days of Christmas” was vandalized. Then, another group of figures were spray painted, near the curve to the main area. And, this past weekend, a number of flood lights were taken from various displays along the route.

Last year, a display was stolen, and located in all alley in Johnston City. It was returned to Mr. Murphy and is being used again this year.

Those living in the area of Candy Cane Lane are asked to be vigilant. And, anyone with any information is asked to contact West Frankfort Police.

Candy Cane Lane has begun its yearly run each night until 10 p.m., weekend nights until 11 p.m. There is a food drive as well for any donations you wish to make.

Benton, West Frankfort, Illinois News | Franklin County News