ANOTHER FIRE

Frank Macoomb’s Store Burned-Mrs. Duncan’s House Saved by the Water Works

             Welland has an old and remarkably well verified tradition that its fires never come singly, and, the Ross fire having occurred very recently, the alarm bells on Sunday morning were scarcely a surprise. The scene of the disaster was Mr. Frank Macoomb’s store on East Main street, which, with contents, were entirely destroyed, as well as other considerable damage done. This fire, like several in town lately, took place in the dead of night. It was first seen by Mrs. Duncan, we believe, who was alarmed by the light shining on the windows of her room. The burning building, Macoomb’s grocery, situate about twelve feet west of Duncan’s, was even then firmly in the hands of the fire-fiend, but the flames had not yet burst out to be observable at a distance. The alarm was of course given. The Macoomb dwelling adjoins the store on the side and is connected with it by a room at the back. Mr. Macoomb, as soon as possible, not knowing the fire had become uncontrollable without the aid of the fire department, ran to the store and opened the door connecting with the residence. The fire at once burst out this open door and swept into the residence. The east side hose company was on the spot with commendable promptitude considering the hour, but the buildings were wholly of wood and the fire had spread with amazing rapidity. By the time the hose could be attached, the interior of the store had been burned to a crisp from end to end; the upper part of the Macoomb dwelling was in the embrace of the flames, which had also largely permeated the lower part, and the adjoining side of Mrs. Duncan’s large and valuable frame dwelling was a blazing mass. Fortunately the fire has not got into the latter building; two streams of water were immediately playing and the fire that in another minute would have eaten its way in was extinguished. The flames that were ravaging the Macoomb building were also drowned out as soon as they could be opened up to the water. On the arrival of the west side hose a third stream of water was put on, but it was not needed. No fire yet has been able to stand a minute against the water works. It is only a matter of application-as soon as the water gets at the fire the contest is decided.

             The Duncan house escaped by a hair-breadth. So hot and close was the fire that a curtain inside the window of the French roof was scorched brown; had it ignited, the roof, the attic of which contained many easily inflammable articles, would have been overrun by the flames in less time than it takes to tell of it. Without a doubt this valuable house would have been destroyed but for the water works. Quite probably other valuable property would have been swept away as well. The delay in getting up steam for the engine and in getting it on the spot would have been fatal. Score another for water works.

             Mr. Duncan wisely determined act to permit their household goods to be removed, and thereby great loss was avoided, but it was only by sheer force that a well-meaning but excited crowd was kept from sacking the premises.

LOSSES AND INSURANCE

             Frank Macoomb’s stock of goods amounting to $2500 is a total loss; nothing saved-insured for $1000 in the Mercantile and $500 in the Commercial Union. Mrs. Macoomb’s loss on buildings is estimated at $800; the store being a total wreck, and dwelling but little better; insured for only $300, in the Queen’s. The loss of household goods is estimated at $500; they were insured for $1200, but largely on specific articles, such as piano, &c. Total loss on Macoomb’s properties, $3800; insured for $3000. $1200 of which, however, is on household goods mostly saved, so that the whole amount of insurance will not be receivable.

             The damage to Mrs. Duncan’s house is light, and covered by insurance.

             Since the above was written the insurance adjusters for the Mercantile and Commercial Union companies have been here and inquired into the losses, and have allowed Mr. Macoomb’s claim for loss on stock ($1500) in full except $25. Mrs. Macoomb was awarded $325 for loss and damage to household effects. The insurance on building, $300, is not yet adjusted, but will no doubt be allowed in full.

             The firemen and workers were entertained by Mr. and Mrs. Duncan and at Mr. Lent’s after their labors, which hospitality was duly appreciated.

Welland Tribune

19 April 1889

Fire: 14 April 1889