ANOTHER BLAZE

An Early Morning Fire Destroys the House of Mr. Geo. Ross

             The ominous clang of the fire bell disturbed the peacefully slumbers of Welland citizens, about 3 o’clock on Tuesday morning when flames were discovered bursting from a barn on the premises of Mr. Geo. Ross, on Burgar street. The building was rapidly consumed and before the brigade had arrived the flames had communicated with the rear of the house. In a very short time however two streams were playing on the building, but the fire seemed to have secured such a headway as to defy the efforts of the firemen, and spread rapidly under the shingles and behind the plaster in such a manner as to elude the efforts to extinguish it. Copious streams were directed on different points but the opposing element had possession and appeared determined to keep it. Fiery tongues curled around the gables and under the eaves, every moment appearing in a fresh spot, stubbornly fighting for supremacy. Another branch from a hydrant on Main street was brought into requisition and for a short time the fire seemed to be under control, but soon burst forth with renewed vigor, and continued, despite all efforts to check it, to burn furiously until the roof and upper portion of the house was destroyed.

            The fire was first observed by Miss McGlashan, residing in the next house, who awakened Mr. and Mrs. Ross, and it was sometime after the house was burning before they realized to full extent of the danger. Willing hands, however, offered ready assistance in removing the furniture, and everything except some carpets and a few small articles were taken from the lower story, but nearly everything upstairs including Mr. and Mrs. Ross’ wardrobe and Mrs. Ross’ jewelry was lost. Only a few articles considerably damaged being saved from the room on the north east corner. The building was insured in the British North American Company for $1100, which will probably cover the loss. The contents were covered by a policy of $200 in the same company, but the loss will foot up over $500.

             The origin of the fire is somewhat mysterious, but the general conclusion is that it was caused by tramp in the barn. A resident of Division street was awakened about 2 o’clock by a tramp trying to gain admission to his premises, and on being frightened off he went in the direction of Mr. Ross’ house. No fire or light had been in the barn during the day, and the tramp theory at present seems to be the only tenable one.

             The water pressure was excellent, and the firemen worked with determined will, but the absence of an efficient hook and ladder company was to be deplored, as such an organization would have been of invaluable benefit in saving the property.

             After the fire was extinguished the brigade were fittingly entertained by Mr. Cummines, whose kindness and consideration was much appreciated.

             As soon as the insurance is adjusted Mr. Ross will have the house rebuilt.

Welland Telegraph

5 April 1889

Fire: 2 April 1889

Fire

             On Tuesday morning, shortly before three o’clock, a small barn belonging to Geo. Ross, civil engineer Burgar street, was first seen by Miss McGlashan to be on fire. By the time the alarm had gathered aid, the barn was wholly enveloped in flames, and fire had communicated to the dwelling-house, a distance of about thirty feet. The firemen were soon on hand, but the fire had meanwhile got into the attic of the house, which was strongly built, and before the flames were got at and extinguished the building and contents were badly wrecked by fire and water. Although the cellar drain was discharging water to its full capacity, the cellar was filled with water to the top and overflowed, shewing water enough to drown out half the town if on fire and the fire could be got at, but in this case as at the fire in White’s building, tons of water were wasted on shingles and siding whilst the fire continued to burn in the attic and between partitions. A better hook and alarm system is needed, the town bell being only audible to those in its immediate vicinity.

             The loss is estimated as follows: barn and contents, $200; damage to house, $1200; loss and damage to furniture, &c., $500. There was an insurance of $1500 in the British North America Co., as follows: $100 on barn; $1150 on house, and $200 on furniture. The losses therefore are mainly covered by insurance. Mr. and Mrs. Ross accepted of Sheriff Smith’s hospitable offer of rooms in his dwelling during the rebuilding of the burned house, which will be done at once.

             The fire is supposed to have been caused by tramps or chicken thieves, as the door was not locked, and Mr. Ross knows of no fire or light having been in barn for weeks. As no sound or trace of the hens kept in the barn was heard or seen there is some suspicion that some thief stole the chickens, and caused the fire by throwing down a lighted match. Steps were discernible through the snow leading across lots and down to the creek road, going north.

Welland Tribune

5 April 1889

Fire: 2 April 1889