The early morning fire damaged the historic Gallad House today. It destroyed the third floor of the building so fire fighters saved the first and the second floors. There were only a few elderly people live in the building at the time and they carried out to safety. The Gallad House was built in 1718 and was used for a hotel for over 150 years. George Washington stayed in here in 12. The Gallad family owned the building for the elderly. Several fire department were called to the scene. When Fire Chief Andrew Bond asked when the fire started, he answered that perhaps a burning cigarette caused it. Chief Bond had promised to further examine the cause.