G.T.R. FREIGHT SHEDS BURNED

A Hot Blaze Tuesday Morning That Brings Losses to Many Firms-

Most of Them Will Recover Damages

[Welland Telegraph, 12 September 1902]

              The first fire accompanied by any serious loss which has visited Welland in some months, occurred early Tuesday morning when the Grand Trunk freight sheds were entirely destroyed. The fire was a hot one and exceedingly dangerous to surrounding property, but fortunately it was confined to the building in which it originated. The total loss will be about $1,000 and it was insured.

             About 1.40 Tuesday morning Chief Forde, who was on the west side of the canal, noticed a light in the east end of the town. He watched it for a moment and concluded it was a fire. In a short time the alarm was awakening those who could hear it, and not long after the boys turned out and had two streams on the burning building. But it was impossible to save the shed or anything that was in it.

             The fire started on the south end, presumably from a spark from a passing engine. By the time it was discovered the one end was enveloped, and before the water was turned on the whole structure was burning fiercely. Inside was a lot of inflammable articles, including a tank and several cans of oil. When the fire struck these the flames shot 50 or 60 feet in the air.

             The wind was blowing a gale at the time and at first blew the flames onto several of the surrounding buildings and houses, but though they ignited in several places, the small flames were extinguished without difficulty. Later the wind shifted and that is probably what saved the station. The firemen were able to prevent the fire spreading to the cars on the siding and in an hour had it out.

             The loss effects several of the merchants in town who had goods in the shed, but most of them will be able to recover damages. A few who had received notice of the arrival of goods more than 24 hours previous will have to stand the loss themselves.

             The principal shipments were:-Frost Wire Fence Co., about $100 worth of fencing and gates; R. Morwood Co., about $50 worth of goods; The Ross Co., about $60 worth of dry goods; S.P. Gourley, St. Catharines, two bath tubs; Peat Fuel Co., 47 sacks of peat; J.B. Taylor & Co., several cases of glass ware; E. Brasford, a buggy; J.M. Livingstone, an organ. In addition to these there were a lot of smaller shipments, and a bicycle belonging to Agent Ouellette, another belonging to Mrs. Phin and a trunk of clothes belonging to Mr. A.T. Krafft.

             On Tuesday Inspector Schneckenburger visited the scene of the fire and prepared his report.

             A temporary shed will be put up immediately to shelter shipments while a new shed is being erected.