Results for ‘Fires’
Moore & Son’s Stable and Storeroom Burned
Methodist Church and Other Buildings Take Fire but are Saved
NARROW ESCAPE FROM A GREAT DISASTER
Welland, June 15-A sensational fire occurred here today, resulting in considerable loss, and a very narrow escape from a great fire disaster. At half-past two, afternoon, the fire alarm sounded and the first glance out doors showed a huge column of smoke already in the centre of the town. The fire had started in Moore & Son’s stable in the rear of their implement warerooms on West Main street, near the bridge over the canal, the centre of a cluster of frame buildings immediately in rear of J. H. Crow’s, Rose’s and Crowther’s stores- a most dangerous spot, involving half the business premises of the town. As usual in the case of fire in barns, the flames spread with lightening rapidity. The structure burned like a match-box, the flames reaching out in all directions in less time than it takes to tell the tale.
A frame building adjoining, owned and used by Moore & Son as a storeroom for implements, carriages etc., was soon in flames and was totally destroyed; both of these buildings were sheeted with metal.
A small frame storeroom in rear of J.H. Crow’s store also caught fire and was practically destroyed, only the charred frame standing after the fire had been drowned out by the water; all the contents had been got out of Mr. Crow’s building except a few barrels of salt. The building was insured. Hiss loss is probably in the neighborhood of $150.
These three were all the buildings that were actually destroyed.
Stables belonging to R. Cooper and W.H. Crowther were in imminent danger, in fact were on fire several times and were only saved by the heroic exertions of the fire fighters.
The same may be said of Clemo’s barber shop and Crow’s store; in fact the fate of the whole quarter of the town trembled in the balance for a bad quarter of an hour. Fortunately the fire department was promptly on hand. The hose cart from the north ward was first on the spot and had a stream of water playing on the fire in less than ten minutes, and a few minutes later all three streams were effective. Fortunately also there was but little wind at the time, and the fire was soon under control.
Messrs. Moore & Son’s loss will probably reach $2500. There was some insurance on the barn, but none on the storeroom building or contents, where the principal loss occurred. The contents of the barn burned included a large quantity of hay, straw and oats just put in, and a valuable horse. The other building contained a large stock of new wagons and implements, only a few of which were gotten out.
So intense was the heat that the sparks were carried to a great elevation and descended at a distance, starting several other fires and endangering half the town.
Fires were thus on the roofs of A.O. Rose’s store, Mrs. R. Cooper’s millinery shop and the Methodist church, and whilst Mr. Clemo was so valiantly and efficiently protecting his building with his garden hose on the side next the fire, a spark flew over the building and lighted on his awning on the opposite side burning it badly.
Mrs. Cooper’s loss by damage to walls, carpets and furniture by water will be considerable.
THE FIRE AT THE CHURCH
No sooner had the first fire been gotten fairly under control than the tocsin again sounded, and word was quickly passed around that the Methodist church was on fire. A spark from the burning buildings had lighted on the roof of the church and ignited it. Fortunately the fire was on the lee side-the south side-protected from the northerly wind-and burned very slowly.
For some time the flame was visible as a “thin red line,” started by a spark near southeast corner of roof, slowly creeping up to the spire. A few buckets of water would have extinguished it, but the trouble was to touch the spot, the fire being up as high as four storeys of an ordinary building. A run of ill-luck gave the fire about half-an-hour free play before the water service could be made effective, during which time the flames ate their way through the roof, necessitating flooding the building with water, with heavy loss.
When the water was first turned on, which was in a reasonable short time it was found that the stream could not be made to reach the fire, owing to its height and the low pressure caused by still using water for the fire at Moore’s. Then, a wait till a ladder could be erected. When the hose was hoisted on this and an attempt made to again turn on the water the hydrant at Roach’s broke necessitating a transfer to another hydrant and another wait. When water was turned on the third time it was found that there was still not force enough to reach the fire, even from the top of the ladder, which could not be placed to the best advantage owing to the trees. Before this time, however, a bucket brigade had been got in service, materially checking the fire by throwing water on it from the apex of the roof. Finally the nozzle was hoisted by a rope to the top of the roof and the fire drowned out, but the flooding of the south side of the church was unavoidable. The interior of the church will require to be repainted, and perhaps partly replastered, the cost of which will probably be from $500 to $1000. Loss to church covered by insurance in a number of different companies.
ORIGIN OF THE FIRE
On examining the debris after the fire, Messrs. Moore & Son feel satisfied that the fire started in the roof or mow, and that a spark was blown in from somewhere. As the wind was from the southwest at the time, there seems a possibility that it might have come from Cutler’s mill stack, as shavings are used for fuel there.
SPARKS
The firemen were hampered somewhat on account of crowding by spectators. The town authorities should arrange for effective police service at all fires.
The metal on the frame buildings did grand service. Had it not been for it, Clemo’s, Crowther’s and other buildings would surely have burned, and there is no telling where the conflagration would have extended to. At the same time it is undeniable that in all new structures a still better class of buildings should be required for danger spots like that involved in Saturday’s fire. In fact, the town now urgently needs a better system with respect to the construction of new buildings. The fire limits should be extended, the conditions made more efficient, and no building allowed to be put up without a permit and proper inspection.
A man had a narrow escape at the church fire. While getting to the roof he mis-stepped and broke a hole through the ceiling. Fortunately he caught hold of a joist and was extricated, but, had he fallen on the pews below, some twenty feet, he would in all probability have been instantly killed.
Hugh Schooley of Humberstone had his horse tied to Mr. Moore’s barn, and was sitting in Mr. Moore’s office when the fire started. Hearing his horse utter a terrifying shriek, he ran out and found his horse almost enveloped in flames. H e succeeded in getting the animal away, but not before it was severely burned about one side of the head and shoulder, rendering the services of a veterinary necessary.
The Press is informed that at least one lawn water service (on Franklin street) was kept running all the time of the fire. Every water tap should be closed during fires, as each open tap reduces the pressure.
People’s Press
18 June 1907
Fire: 15 June 1907
CHURCH RE-OPENING
The re-opening of the Methodist church was celebrated most auspiciously on Sunday. Special services were held morning and evening, at which large congregations were present. Rev. Dr. A.L. Gee of Brantford, president of the Hamilton Conference, officiated at both services, delivering interesting sermons. There was a full choir both times and appropriate hymns sung.
In the morning, Dr. Gee took for his text, Romans 1-14, “I am debtor.” He prefaced his remarks by placing an emphasis of the indebtedness of our forefathers to God and Christianity. He proceeded through various channels dealing with the subject until he turned to the present age, when he showed how the people of this day owe their education and progress to God and Christianity.
The contribution of the day amounted to upwards of $600.
People’s Press
6 August 1907
Methodist Church Again the Victim
All but Walls and Basement Destroyed
LOSS $12,000-INSURANCE $5,500
Town Steam Roller Burned
GREAT GAS CONFLAGRATION
CHURCH TO BE REBUILT AT ONCE
The town steam road roller and the just re-opened Methodist church on Muir street were victims of the devouring element on Tuesday evening. Everything about the roller that would burn or melt was burned or melted, and the church was destroyed, all except the sidewalls and basement.
The responsibility for the conflagration rests with the town steam roller which burst the gas main. Wm. Phillips, who was in charge of the roller, was steering it to the side of the road opposite the church, where it has remained when not in use for the past few nights. One of the caulks on the wheels punctured the large high-pressure gas main, which lay on the surface of the ground.
GAS EXPLOSION
The gas at once shot out with a tremendous roar and force and ignited from the fire in the firebox. The flames shot into the air, blowing Phillips from the cab. He was badly but not dangerously burned about the hands and face. He is expected to recover. The roller was burned as stated above. It cost the town $3,000 a few years ago. Fortunately the boiler was full of water and did not explode and is apparently unharmed. It will cost probably between $500 and $1000 to repair the roller, as the engine rods are twisted, babbit melted out, and all the woodwork completely gone.
THE CHURCH FIRE
About half-past six o’clock the church roof was observed to be on fire. The flames at an early stage were seen breaking through the roof in different places, which gave some the impression that the fire originated in the interior of the church, and not from the roller-gas fire. The facts, however, we think, leave no doubt that the one fire caused the other. The trees near the church were scorched by the gas; the wind was blowing directly from the fire to the church, and the fire developed just after lapse of time sufficient to have got a start. It is generally supposed that the gas explosion blew a piece of burning wood or other debris from the cab under or against the lower part of the church roof, that, there being no wind, this burnt its way through the roof, then rapidly followed the roof up on the under side, breaking out at the top, and leading to the belief that the fire originated inside.
FIREMEN DID QUICK WORK
There was some quick work done by the firemen. It took only four minutes from the time the first alarm was sounded till No. 3 had a stream playing on the flames, the cart having been started before the alarm sounded. The other three reels arrived in rapid order, and the work of quenching the flames was begun. The Cordage Fire Co. was early on hand, and did good work.
Chief Stapf was on hand early and directed his men. In all four streams were put in use, one on the rear, one on the front, and one on each side.
WATER PRESSURE POOR
The water pressure was very poor, 134 pounds being the limit. The water is wasted too freely about town and that perhaps accounts for the low pressure. During the fire someone telephoned for a better pressure, and they were informed by the waterworks officials that no more water pressure could be obtained. They also accompanied this information with the retort, “Get better nozzles.”
The trees around the church have grown against the walls on every side, and made the task of the firemen doubly difficult-and dangerous, as they had to get close to the walls to get through the screen of trees.
THE CHURCH LOSS
The church was the largest in the town and cost originally about $14,000, when work and material were much cheaper than they are now. In addition to original cost, the organ had just been rebuilt and the church renovated and repainted after the former fire, at a cost of $2,000, which of course, is a dead loss. The church was re-opened only the Sunday preceding. The organ is a total loss and no insurance; it cost $800, and cannot be replaced by that sum. The electric lighting appliances cost about $400, all lost.
Most of the chairs in the basement, the piano and other furniture were saved by citizens who carried them out onto the lawn of the church. A small organ was also saved. All the Sunday school paraphernalia was got out.
The walls of the church are practically intact, and the fire never entered the basement at all. As may be seen elsewhere in this paper, the trustees have since met and pluckily decided to have the church rebuilt at once, in a more modern and convenient form, at a cost of $12,000. The Methodist church of Welland has always kept full abreast of the times and there is no thought of taking a back seat or yielding to disaster now.
The tower of the church was burnt at the top only, the bell remaining in its position, uninjured it is supposed.
THE INSURANCE
In the matter of insurance, the church is in an unfortunate position. The church, organ, furniture etc., that should have been insured for at least $12,000, was insured for only $5,500 at the outside. The trustees have been negotiating for additional insurance, but unfortunately neglected to take the advice against procrastination so often heard from Methodist pulpits until it was everlastingly too late.
As soon as the fire got below the roof, the heavy walls kept the flames enclosed, and there being no wind, the conflagration was kept from spreading without great difficulty.
OPERA HALL TO BE USED
The trustees of the church have accepted the kind offer of Mr. O.H. Garner to use Orient Hall for the services until other quarters can be found. The usual services will therefore take place on Sunday in Orient Hall, Rev. C.J. Dobson of Markham, preaching at both services. Rev. J.E. Hockey, on hearing of the disaster, returned from the vacation trip on which he was just starting and will also be present.
SPARKS
The only thing about the church that was fully insured was the piano-and it was saved, being in the basement.
When Phillips was being taken home he refused to allow the driver to pass the burning boiler; he had had enough of it. A burnt child dreads the fire.
The break in the gas main was fixed about 9:30 Tuesday evening. It would have been repaired sooner, but nothing could be done until the steam roller was got off the point impaired.
There was a regrettable incident in connection with the unfortunate accident to Phillips. Tuesday was pay day and his coat with his pay in it was burnt to cinders, while hanging in the cab of the roller.
The gas, which could not be shut off until the shut-off above the Junction was reached, made a tremendous roaring, the flames reaching above the telegraph wires. Thousands gathered to see the double conflagration.
“Humpy” Hagar had two fingers on his right hand broken again. They were broken two or three weeks ago, and it was feared they could not be straightened. He took the accident philosophically, saying, “Perhaps they will be straight again now.”
Mr. Boyd, who was holding the hose on the roof of the parsonage, had a narrow escape from being thrown off the roof. In turning the hose, it slipped, and in recovering it, he turned the full force of the water on himself. He managed to right himself, however.
“Better late than never,” is a well-known motto, but in this case “Better late than early” is a true saying. The Methodist church had ordered over 100 yards of new carpet for the aisles. This came from Montreal, and there was some disappointment that it had not been received for the opening, but that very fact was its salvation. The carpet did not arrive until Monday and had been delivered, but was got out of the basement of the church during the fire, not having been laid yet.
GRANT RYAN HURT
Grant Ryan, of No. 1 Hose Co., while working near the steeple, was hit on the right shoulder and side by a piece of falling cornice about fourteen feet long. He was unconscious for a little while and was carried to Dr. Cowper’s hospital. It was thought by many that he was seriously hurt, but fortunately it was found that no bones had been broken, only his shoulder and side being bruised. He was around again Wednesday and will be all right in a day or two.
Send ten cents to the Yedis Co., Welland, and get two photographs of the fires.
[Welland Tribune, 9 August 1907]
Fire: 6 August 1907
Methodist Church to be Rebuilt at Once
Improved and Modernized at a cost of $12,000
A meeting of the board of trustees of the Welland Methodist Church was held on Monday morning, when it was decided to rebuild the church at once and in a much more modern plan as far as the circumstances and finances will permit. The entrance will be entirely changed. The cost will be in the neighborhood of $12,000 and will require about $7,000 to be raised after receiving the insurance. One thousand dollars were subscribed at the meeting and the trustees expect to report a large portion of the $7,000 already subscribed before the services in the Opera House on Sunday.
[Welland Tribune, 9 August 1907]
STATION ROOF BURNED
Cordage Fire Service do Good Work
A spark from switch engine No. 8538 is believed to be responsible for a blaze that was started at one o’clock yesterday afternoon, and took all the school children and several hundred grown-ups to the Welland M.C.R. station in the midst of a blazing sun.
About the first man to answer the alarm was Conductor A.W. Mount. He ascended to the attic where the records are kept and found the place filled with smoke and fire. Yard-master Young went with him, followed by R.A. Kilgour, from the hotel across the way.
The Cordage works were asked to give a helping hand, and this they did in a manner that saved the station, running over their factory hose. This was promptly played on the blaze. Meanwhile the flames had eaten their way through the roof. The records were the accumulation of years, and roof was as dry as tinder, and the smoke was stifling. Sparks commenced to fly Cordagewards, fanned by the strong breeze, and for a few moments it looked as if there might be a serious conflagration. When the fire was discovered, the operator at once telephoned in an alarm. The department were quick to answer, and although the distance was a mile, C.E. Davis was soon rattling along Muir street, with a reel swinging from the end of his lorry. George Wahl brought a reel and hook and ladder, and Chester Tufts brought reel number three. Two additional streams were put on, and in half an hour the station beneath was two inches deep with water, and the office furniture soaked, while upstairs practically all the records were destroyed or mutilated. The M.C.R. intend to build a new station and this may expedite matters.
People’s Press
25 June 1907
Fire: 24 June 1907
McMurray’s Store Burned-Best’s Meat Market Damaged-Narrow Escape
Welland, Feb 6-At 5 o’clock this morning the cry of fire rang through the streets, and those earliest on the scene found P. McMurray’s stove store, Main st., all ablaze in the west end. The alarm was quickly given, and the firemen responded with very effective work. McMurray’s building was joined on the east by Best’s butcher shop, both light frame buildings, and before the streams from the waterworks began to play the first building was one solid mass of flame and Best’s was partly on fire. If both these got going in earnest, the postoffice (next to Best’s) was in imminent danger. At this point, however, the hose which had been laid from the nearest hydrant began to writhe, and in an instant a solid stream was doing good work-then another, and still another. The force of water was terrific, and when the branchman occasionally missed his mark the column would shoot into the dense smoke and cinders far above the highest surrounding buildings. For fifteen minutes it was a stubborn fight between the firemen and their foe as to which would claim the Best building. The Merritt boys worked like heroes, and Mr. Best also did good service in directing matters on the roof of his shops. Slowly but surely the red flames gave place to hissing streams and rolling clouds of smoke, and the fire was subdued. The only building burned was that in which the fire started, and the firemen may well be proud of the saving of Best’s, which was on fire time and time again.
During the progress of the fire, Firemen George Wells came near losing his life. While at work on the roof of the butcher shop, he slipped on the icy shingles and shot down the decline toward the burning pile, lodging between the two buildings. Almost suffocated by smoke he called instantly for help whenever he could get breath, and finally Al. Douglas and Wm. Hawkins succeeded in throwing him the end of a small lawn hose and pulling him out of his frightful position. It was a close call.
The origin of the fire cannot be accounted for. Mr. McMurray was awakened by his wife and ran to the fire in hopes of saving his books. He succeeded in getting open the front door, but the heat was too much for any human being to stand, and everything was abandoned to the flames. Not a solitary article was saved without damage. Stock was taken about a week previous, and the total loss is estimated at $3,000; on which there is $500 insurance on building, in the Royal Canadian; $200 on the tools and $1,300 on the stock in the Caledonia.
Mr. McMurray opened business again at once, in the Lounsbury block, and will push business as usual in spite of the misfortune which has come upon him.
Mr. Best’s roof and ceiling is riddled with holes and the plaster water-soaked, but his stock was not injured to any great extent. His loss is fully covered by insurance.
Agent Jno. F. Hill had issued all the above policies.
Without the waterworks the fire would certainly have been doubly disastrous. Too much praise cannot be given our waterworks system and the work of our fire company. If the steamer had been our only means of protection, the fire could not have been checked where it was.
Later-The claims have been adjusted and insurance paid as follows:-To P. McMurray, on stock, tools and building, $1900; to W.J. Best, damage on building, $75.
Welland Tribune
12 February 1892
Fire: 6 February 1892
Many Thousands of Dollars Damage Done to Buildings, Stock and Machinery in Big Fire That Broke Out at 7:30 Last Friday Night
FORTY THOUSAND BUSHELS WHEAT WERE LOST
Fire Was Particularly Hard to Fight-Firemen Were Hampered by Inadequate Equipment, Having to Borrow Ladders-Mill is Still Doing Business and Repairs Will be Effected at Once
[People’s Press, 10 December 1918]
Last Friday night about half past seven a disastrous fire broke out in the Maple Leaf Milling Company’s plant here which caused a tremendous loss to the building, machinery and stock of the company. The loss is estimated variously at between $50,000 and $100,000, but is well covered by insurance. The fire started near the roof in the north west corner of the mill and before it could be reached had spread well over the entire mill. Owing to the location of the fire and the poor equipment at the disposal of the fire brigade, the fire company experienced very considerable difficulty in handling the blaze, and it was only through their strenuous effort that the damage was not greater. At noon yesterday adjusters from the insurance companies arrived to compute the damage done.
According to the watchman who discovered the fire, he had been at the place where the fire is supposed to have first broken out, about twenty minutes before he noticed it. After visiting the place on his rounds he smelled smoke, and while trying to locate the smoke, he saw flames burst out. Chief Stapf attributes the fire to spontaneous combustion.
Upon the arrival of the fire brigade, the fire was found to have gained considerable headway. Great dense clouds of smoke filled the upper storeys of the mill making it extremely difficult to direct the streams where most needed. Also, at the first, the water pressure was not sufficient, although later on the pressure was good. The firemen however made a determined fight and after a couple of hours strenuous work managed to get the conflagration under control by fighting it across the building and finally extinguishing it on the side opposite to that on which it started. In the meantime however, the entire machinery with which the mill had recently been equipped was destroyed, in addition to the damage to the building which is also considerable.
In addition to the damage to the machinery and building, there were forty thousand bushels of wheat in the mill, most of which is a total loss. Varying quantities of other grains and manufactured products were also lost.
Throughout the duration of the fire there about forty men working under the direction of Fire Chief Stapf, thirty-five of the town volunteer brigade and about ten men from the Plymouth Cordage Company’s brigade, who volunteered to help. The brigade of the Empire Cotton Mills also offered their assistance.
The firemen found themselves sadly handicapped through not having proper appliances with which to reach the fire. Their ladders, particularly, were deficient, and it was found necessary to borrow four or five forty foot extension ladders from citizens in the neighborhood. Other equipment was also lacking, trouble having been experienced in not having proper appliances for the manipulation of the hose lines.
Mr. Robert Cooper, manager of the mill, was out of town when the fire commenced and returned about nine o’clock, when the blaze was at its worst. Speaking to the Tribune after the fire, Mr. Cooper stated that the mill would continue open as usual, having large stocks of products still on hand for sale. He also stated that as soon as practicable the damage to the building would be repaired, and equipment would be installed.
Had Friday night not been as exceptionally calm night the entire block on East Main Street in which the mill is situated would have caught fire. But the almost imperceptible wind carried no sparks and the fact that the roofs and buildings were covered with an adequate layer of soft snow prevented any other fires from breaking out.
Fire: 6 December 1918
S.L. Lambert’s Mill Totally Destroyed-Blaze Lights Whole Country Side
But $8000 INSURANCE
Welland was visited by the most costly fire in years on Sunday morning when S.L.Lambert’s planing mill, North Main street, (52 Main Street North), was totally destroyed by fire. The blaze was a brilliant one, lighting the whole town so that night was almost turned into day. In fact, it threw a very distinct light as far away as Port Robinson.
The fire was first discovered shortly before 2 o’clock. Dan Passmore and Jim Anderson were the first to discover it and had the ward fire hose cart on the scene before the alarm rang. The alarm was turned in by Mike Zavitz. But owing to the very inflammable nature of the mill and its contents, there was no stopping the blaze and it quickly spread throughout the large buildings. The efforts of the firemen after the first stage were directed largely to saving the block occupied by the mill offices and H. Hilder & Co.’s store. At one time, when the mill which is only a few feet away from the block was blazing most fiercely, it looked as though the block would go too, but at last the danger point was passed. The blaze broke into one upstairs room at the rear but the damage was not so extensive as that caused by water.
Clarence Brown and family, who lived over part of the mill, had to escape in their night clothes, without saving an article, so quickly did the flames reach their flat.
Large crowds were attracted by the spectacular blaze. Large burning embers and clouds of sparks swept over the whole east side of the town but as nearly everything was covered with snow the danger was greatly reduced. Fortunately the wind was blowing directly toward the canal. Had the wind been blowing from the northeast it is doubtful if the west side business section could have been saved.
The heavy cold wind and driving snow made fighting the fire a difficult task. Eight streams of water were poured into the fire with excellent __but the firemen had to direct the hose playing all day Sunday before it was entirely drowned out.
Mr. Lambert estimates his loss at over $25,000 with $8000 insurance. Hilder & Co.’s loss will be several hundred dollars covered by insurance. Mr. Lambert attributes the cause to the weight of the snow sagging the roof and breaking the electric wires causing a short circuit which started the fire. He will not rebuild on the present site, but will now transfer his whole business to his Muir Street mill and yards.
A large amount of material in the mill and two carloads of lumber outside were burned.
Only last summer Mr. Lambert suffered another heavy fire loss when the rink valued at $8000 was burned.
People’s Press
29 February 1916
Fire: 27 February 1916
FIRE-On Friday noon, the barn of Mr. J. B. Comfort, in Pelham, was burned, containing the whole yield of his last harvest, wagons, &c., except some bushels of wheat carried out. The fire commenced among the litter, on the outside, and by same supposed from the embers of the owner’s pipe.
On the same evening, the N.A. Hotel at Merrittville-recently put up by W.B. Hendershot, Esq. of Thorold-was burnt down.
The St. Catharines Journal
6 November 1856
Fire: 31 October 1856
Building was Owned by the Government and Was Worth $5,000
The fine old country home, known as the Hagar place, on the Island, south of Welland, was destroyed by fire about 2 o’clock on Sunday morning.
The cause of the fire is unknown, but it is presumed some boys or men had been in the house in the evening and had lighted a fire in one of the fireplaces.
The house was built over a half a century ago by the late Jonathan Hagar and it had many of the characteristics of the houses of the time-large and roomy and so well built as to stand as strong and true at the end of fifty years as at the beginning.
The house is owned by the Dominion government and for some years has been vacant.
Five thousand dollars would not replace it.
Welland Telegraph
12 February 1918
Fire: 10 February 1918
Welland Roller Rink and Whalley Stables Burned
Other Losses-Narrow Escape from Great Disaster
The losses:
| A. Griffiths, Roller Rink |
$4000 |
| Whalley House stables |
$2000 |
| Builders, L & Supply Co. |
$1000 |
| H. Dawdy horse |
$225 |
Welland had a destructive fire and a close call to a great disaster on Wednesday last. The fire was in the very centre of the town and, had the wind been sweeping from the west or southwest, as has been the case nearly all spring, nothing could have saved the row of frame buildings on Main street at least as far as Opera Hall, and it is entirely improbable that the conflagration would have been kept crossing the street.
Wm. Jarvis first saw the fire. It was about 2:35 o’clock. Mr. Jarvis has a clothes pressing and cleaning establishment upstairs in the rear of the Brennan block. His windows were within a few feet of the barn and he noticed a spark drop down from the mow to the floor. He immediately rushed around the corner to the town hall and gave the alarm.
The fire, as to be expected in a large open frame barn, leapt from mow to roof, and from side to side with lightening-like rapidity, and as soon as the alarm was given, any person looking out did not need to be directed to the scene of the conflagration. The dense clouds of black smoke pouring out from the burning hay and building indicated the scene of disaster.
The Ward 1 hose cart, drawn by one of Minor’s busses, was on the scene in four minutes, and two minutes later, two streams of water were available, and the reels from the other wards quickly followed. Wherever the fire could be got at, was quickly drowned out, but unfortunately the heat, smoke and surrounding buildings hampered the firemen’s operations greatly, and the barn is almost a total loss, except the ground flooring and foundations. The barn was built by the late T.F. Brown, formerly proprietor of the City Hotel (now the Whalley House) and cost over $2,000 in the days of cheap building, being a very large and substantially built structure. It would take at least $3,000 to rebuild it the same now. It was insured for only $750-in the Waterloo Mutual Co.
THE RINK
The burning of the rink was in a sense accidental. The building was metal plated top and sides. Its north end was about seven feet distant from the burned barn. Whilst that end was watched closely, fire broke out in the far south end of the building about 300 feet away, and got under good headway before alarm given. It is supposed the fire entered the rink either through the heating of the metal plates or through cracks caused by their being warped by the heat, catching on the bunting, which was strung from end to end of the building and thus carried by the bunting by the slight north breeze to the extreme southern end of the building, where it broke out fiercely. The bunting seems to have ignited the fire all along the roof, and, considering the size of the building, its open construction and all circumstances, it was impossible to save it. The roof soon commenced falling in from the south end, too, and rendered it extremely dangerous to go in or very near the walls, as sometimes the metal sheets slid off, so there was no telling where they would strike.
The metal roofing and sheeting, however, whilst it acted a screen to keep out the water, also, shut in the flames and heat, and kept the fire from spreading. Had the rink roof been a shingle roof, it seems certain the fire would have crossed Division street, to Dr. Colbeck’s house, and thence endangered many other buildings.
Robert Young, manager of the roller rink, says when he went inside the building, the fire had just started at the north end-the end next to the burning barn. Others came in and the fire, already having a start, made rapid headway, every time the door was opened giving it more draft. Mr. Young was going to try to put out the fire, but he saw there was no use. The bunting was ablaze and the fire swept along it with lightening rapidity to the front of the building where the flames broke out. The rink piano was just got out in time, and the 300 pairs of roller skates were saved by being thrown out the front window. There were 1700 yards of bunting in the rink, all burned.
The rink was owned by Mr. Alex Griffiths, and had a hardwood floor for roller skating. It cost about, $5,000 dollars, and with the exception of the annex on the east side, is practically destroyed. There no insurance on the building. Besides being used as a place for amusement and games, the rink was very convenient for large gatherings, and it will be greatly missed; as we understand it will not likely be rebuilt.
BUILDERS L & S CO.
The annex on the east side of the rink; also, owned by Mr. Griffiths, was saved. It was occupied by the Welland Lumber and Supply Company (Messrs. Hickey and Lavellee) as an office and wareroom, and contained a large stock of paints, sash and other building materials. None of this stock was burned, but the loss by water and removal will, it is estimated, amount to over $1,000. Insured in the Guardian and Phoenix companies.
VALUABLE HORSE BURNED
A valuable LeVerau Hackney belonging to Harve Dawdy was burned in the stable. Several attempts to rescue the animal were made, but all in vain. The smoke was too dense, and the horse too much frightened of the flames. Mr. Dawdy bought the horse from Dr. Hutton last summer for $200. It was a very fine animal and he had refused $250 for it the day before the fire.
A horse belonging to George Stouth of Crowland was in the barn when the fire broke out. Whether it was loosened by someone or not, is not known, but it ran out and down the street, with a light rig attached. It was temporarily caught at the bridge, but after quite a circus performance tore loose, from bridle and rig and made for home. It was uninjured, but the bridle was broken.
A cow was also tethered in the barn, but she was brought out by the hostler.
DANGER TO OTHER BUILDINGS
There was very grave danger to other buildings. Dr. Weller’s barn had a narrow escape. Fortunately it was a fire-proof building. When the flames shot out over the front of the barn it got so awfully hot at the rear of the Brennan block that the fire proof shutters were closed. When the fire was raging fiercely at the front of the rink, Dr. Colbeck was standing upon the roof of his residence protecting his property with a garden hose.
NOTES
The fire was a hard one to fight.
The Imperial Bank used their bank hose to advantage.
The Whalley House barn contained about $40 worth of hay and $10 worth of straw.
So much water was used that the walk on Muir street was flooded a couple on inches deep.
A telephone pole belonging to the Falls Power Co. caught fire and the insulation was burned off the wires.
Firemen Will Stapf and Charles Rice and a number of others had a narrow escape from being caught by the rink roof suddenly falling in.
The Welland Electric Co., fearing danger to their own wires, took liberty of cutting six 2200 voltage wires belong to the Falls Power Co.
The Cordage Co.’s fire department came down, unlimbered in fine shape and rendered very acceptable service. They are a well-drilled and very efficient corps.
There were eight streams of water playing on the fire at one time. This is the greatest ever. One line of hose was furnished by the Cordage Fire Department. East Main street was a net work of hose.
Scores of hands assisted in removing the paints, oils, roofing, window sash, doors etc. of the Builders’ Lumber and Supply Co. from the rink building. One can of paint got too hot and burst in the hands of its rescuer. He was plastered.
The low water pressure was criticized by some, who probably were not aware that eight streams of water were being thrown. Considering this, the pressure was very fair. Had it been necessary to reach a higher altitude with the water, some of the streams would have been discontinued, which would have given greater force to the others.
The cause of the fire is unknown. As there were no stoves or lanterns being used in the barn at the time, and there is no reason to apprehend incendiarism, the most reasonable supposition is that fire was accidentally started by a smoker from cigar, pipe or matches, but of course this is only conjecture.
HOW THE HOSE WAS LAID
The Welland firemen had water on the fire within five or six minutes of the time the alarm rang out. Fire Chief Stapf was telephoned to at Beatty’s immediately and got to the scene as fast as his legs could carry him. The three hose carts were already there; and the Chief attached the nozzle to one of No.61’s lines and that was the first stream playing upon the fire. Altogether there were eight streams at one time. The Welland fire company had six, the Cordage fire company had one, and the Imperial Bank boys were there with their bank hose. Two lines from No. 1 were attached to the hydrant in front of the Ross Co.’s store and were playing on the barn. No.2’s lines, attached to the Commercial House hydrant were playing one upon the barn and one on the rink. No. 3 had one line connected with Griffiths’ hydrant on Division, the water being thrown inside the rink, while the other was on Cooper’s mill hydrant, the water being directed against the barn. The Cordage line was attached to the hydrant on Division street, the water being thrown against the front of the rink. The Welland fire company had 2500 feet of hose-all that was available. The Cordage, 400 feet. Chief Stapf wishes to thank the Cordage fire company for coming to the assistance in answer to his call for aid.
ACCIDENTS
Billy Brittin and Frank Boyle were raising some of the metal roofing of the rink so that the water could be thrown on the fire. Frank Boyle received a severe cut across three fingers of the right hand from a piece of the metal. The wound which required seven stitches was dressed by Dr. Colbeck and Garner. Brittin’s thumb was also cut.
HERB BOYLE’S ADVENTURE
Herb Boyle, one of the firemen, had an adventure which he would not care to repeat. He came very nearly being suffocated or burned to death, and no one would have been the wiser until all was over. Immediately after the fire was discovered, those who were nearby rushed in to render first aid. Among these was Herb Boyle. The smoke and flames were increasing with every minute, when someone said there was a horse back in the barn and that he couldn’t get to it for the smoke. Herb grabbed a horse blanket and made his way to the rear of the barn. The horse was in the farthest stall. Herb reached it and got inside. The horse shied over into one corner where Herb threw the blanket over him, the horse stepped on his foot and ran to the other side of the stall. In the meantime the flames were getting fiercer and the smoke became so dense in the stall, Herb could not find the horse. Suddenly his knees gave way and he fell down. He couldn’t see the stall door, but he crawled along the wall of the stall and at last came to it. He was all right when he got out into the open air, and fought the fire to a finish. The horse was owned by Harve Dawdy and was burned in its stall.
Welland Tribune
21 May 1909
Fire: 19 May 1909
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
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