FIRE IN WELLAND

[Welland Tribune, 17 August 1894]

         At half past three o’clock Wednesday morning the alarm of fire was sounded. The scene of the conflagration was the blacksmith shop on Division street, next east of the Commercial hotel, owned by Mrs. Cafferty and used by Mr. Gillam, blacksmith. As the building was an open frame structure the fire got a good start before discovery or at least before the alarm was sounded.

             As nearly as is known, the hosemen began to play upon the fire in six minutes after the first tap of the ball.

             By this time, however, the flames had extended to the barn and stables of Mr. T. Roach of the Commercial, making a terribly hot fire. Fortunately, however, almost a dead calm prevailed at the time, and although Dr. Schooley’s barn was all but ablaze, and the roof and sides of the hotel smoked and cracked dangerously, the two streams of water, one on either side, confined the flames to the blacksmith shop and the stables. Even an outbuilding belonging to the hotel property alongside the barn, to the south, was saved.

             The blacksmith shop is of course a total loss, except perhaps the sills. It was owned by Mrs. Cafferty, and was valued at about $150. Insured for $50.

             Mr. Roach’s drive shed was burned, and the barn is a wreck. The horse was removed by Mr. Roach himself just as the flames burst into the stall. Both Mr. Roach and the horse got singed a little, but not seriously. Tom threw a halter over the horse’s head; put his arm round his neck, and the intelligent animal allowed himself to be led out. As soon as out the door, Mr. Roach had to let him loose, to look after the safety of his family. The horse ran a distance, came back to the stables as near as he could approach for the heat, and then struck a bee line gallop for the race track. Mr. Roach’s loss is between $500 and $600 on buildings, on which there is an insurance of $200, in addition he lost a buggy, new set of harness, three hogs, quantity of hay, oats, &c. His loss will foot up to between $700 and $800, less the insurance. He will rebuild the stables at once.

             Dr. Schooley’s line fence was partly burned and one side of this stable was scorched.

             It is possible the fire may have been caused by s spark smouldering from the day before. It is said the fire bench had been filled in under with sods, and possibly these dried out so as to burn like peat, the fire eventually reaching the floor. Either that or the fire was the work of an incendiary. Dr. Schooley had notified the owner of the shop the day before the fire that it was not properly protected from fire.

             We cannot close our report without again complimenting the fire department on the prompt and efficient service rendered. As usual in this town, the loss was restricted to the smallest margin possible under any circumstances after the start the fire had.

Fire: 15 August 1894