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Historic EVENTS in and around Welland

FIRE – The Flynn Place Burned

[People's Press, 23 December 1902]

About 9 o’clock yesterday morning fire broke out in the house occupied by John McNally, on Dennistoun street, in the third ward, near the fair grounds.

Smoke had been noticed for some time before but no further notice was taken, as the occupants were thought to be at home at this time. It seems that a large wood fire had been left burning in the stove in the board kitchen and all were away from the house. Hence the fire. Hose carts Nos. 3 and 4 answered to the call, but owing to the bad condition of the roads, and the long distance to be traversed, considerable time elapsed before connection was made to the hydrant at the corner of Jane and Dennistoun streets. After the 500 feet of one hose cart had been laid, there was still about 100 feet of ground to be covered which was made up from the other cart.

By this time the fire had got quite a start, and was fast making headway. The firemen worked hard but their task was difficult. At last they succeeded in chopping holes in the main road, and a stream of water was soon pouring through. The fire was then checked, and soon extinguished.

All Mr. McNally’s kitchen articles and furniture were destroyed, but most of the stuff upstairs and in the main part of the house was saved, but damaged. Mr. McNally’s loss is estimated at $200; no insurance.

The building might as well have burned down as it was practically destroyed. Brown Bros. of town owned the building estimated at between $500 and $600. Insured in the Liverpool, London and Globe Co. for $300.

Fire: 22 December1902

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