Results for ‘Fires’
FIRE! FIRE!
The Frazer House Stables and the Engine House Burned
On Thursday “night” last week, a few minutes past 12M., Welland was startled by the unwonted alarm of fire, and a glance served to show that the “fire fiend” meant business. The fire broke out in the large frame barn in rear and belonging to the Frazer House and as soon as the alarm was given the whole structure was a mass of flames, extending immediately to the engine hall to the east, and to an ice house and small building used as a store-room for sleighs, etc. by the Messrs. White, to the west. Fortunately, owing to the calmness of the night and the stream of water supplied by the steamer, the conflagration was confined to these structures, and the fire in the engine house (used also as a council chamber) was extinguished leaving the building nearly a total wreck. The hose tower at the back was completely destroyed, and the fine town bell surmounting it, which in giving the alarm at the faithful Stogie’s hands, had actually sounded its own requiem, fell to the ground and was ruined.
THE CAUSE
Among the ashes next day was found the charred trunk of a man, minus head and feet, which had been burned off. A clay pipe nearby explained the origin of the fire. The unfortunate man, there is good reason to suppose, was one Morrison, a tramp tailor. Morrison had previously worked for Mr. Whalley. He left town some weeks ago, returning on the night of the fire. He then engaged to work for Mr. Whalley and, being “dead broke” Mr. Whalley paid for his bed at Early’s hotel. Late at night, Morrison, then very drunk, returned to Mr. Whalley and said he could not get his bed at Early’s. Mr. Whalley, probably thinking Morrison was trying to get money for more liquor, paid but little attention to him, and he (Morrison) went off and has not been seen alive since. He had previously boarded at the Frazer House and applied there for board early in the evening, but could not get accommodations. Being acquainted with the premises, it is supposed, finding himself out all around, he sought the hospitality of the barn, to which he was no stranger. The pipe explains the rest. Morrison’s remains were given in charge of Mr. Cronmiller and interred in the old English Church burying ground on Sunday, underneath the corpse of the man Wright who was drowned on Friday evening. It only required a box about three feet long to contain the remains.
LOSSES
The heaviest loss was born by Hyslop & Co., a wholesale fancy goods firm of Hamilton, whose peddling wagon with all its contents and a fine team of horses were totally destroyed. One of the horses, however, belonged to Roy McCrimmon, the traveler, or rather to his father, of Ancaster. Roy unfortunately had exchanged one of the firm’s horses for one of his father’s for the trip, thereby making a better matched span. Both horses were very valuable and it is reported that McCrimmon the elder rather objected to let his horse go, saying that it might be burned. Roy replied, “If it is, keep its value out of my salary.” Mr. McCrimmon says he started out with a $2000 outfit, and goes back with a not over bulky valise. The loss of the outfit and the horses is put at $1500 and no insurance.
The Frazer House barn, owned by Mr. Joseph P. Brown of Niagara Falls, was not very valuable and the insurance upon it had been allowed to elapse.
Of the town property, the building was insured for $1000, the bell for $200, about half its value. The building loss is more than the insurance. The town books and records were saved, the principal desk being brought out by Mr. Charles Asher alone after several others had refused to enter the room, the ceiling of which was all aflame and coals and cinders dropping in every direction. It will cost about $1000 to replace their property.
The Fire Co., although not having much property actually consumed, had their chairs and other furniture sadly defaced and injured by the heat and water. They had in their hall a table with a marble top and the inevitable idiot was on hand to hurl it out of the second-storey window. Fortunately, however, it was not broken. No insurance.
Messrs. Henderson and Wilson of the Frazer House lost two or three tons of hay and oats. They principally regret the loss of Hyslop & Co.’s outfit in their stables and the inconvenience of being deprived of stable accommodation for the time.
Messrs. White lost a small building used as a store-room, and a few things. It will cost them about $100 to replace their property.
Where a fire department is called out for actual service so seldom as ours has been, it is inevitable that the lack of practiced experience will be felt when the pinch occurs. Such proved the way here. Owing to the inadequacy of the alarm system a number of firemen did not get out, leaving the department short-handed. An attempt to work with an insufficient quantity of hose was first tried, by which the fire could not be reached to advantage until a stop was had and an additional length of hose inserted. An 11/4 nozzle was put on, such as used for drowning out fires. Had a smaller nozzle been used the stream of water could have been thrown too much greater height and precision. The lack of an efficient hook and ladder service was sadly felt. Hooks would have torn down the small buildings which proved a menace to the Messrs. White property, and thus have left the steamer free to devote all its attention to the town hall. A hook and ladder department to tear down burning walls and open up a way for the water is almost as essential as the steamer itself, a fact which would have still more, vividly impressed itself upon the public mind on this occasion had there been an east or north east wind instead of a dead calm. There is, in fact, little reason to doubt but that had the fire department been full, properly equipped and sharply managed, the town property could have been saved. Now that the mistakes and deficiencies of the fire service have been made apparent, it is to be hoped they will be remedied without a loss of time.
FIRE ALARM
The council have since met and appointed a committee which has attached a hammer for fire alarm to the bells upon the Methodist church and Army barracks.
Welland Tribune
26 September 1884
Fire: 19 September 1884
FIRE-The chimney of the Tremont House caught fire on Monday last, but was extinguished without damage. As we have no facilities for extinguishing fires, we hope the inhabitants of our wooden town will use all possible precaution to prevent fire, and keep well insured and obey the provisions of the insurance policy. Unless this is done, we will represent Chicago and Boston, only on a smaller scale, some of these windy days.
Welland Tribune
27 November 1872
Fire: 25 November 1872
FIRE-On Friday last, about midnight, our citizens were alarmed by the unwonted cry of fire and an investigation quickly proved that the north side school house was hopelessly enveloped in flames. The parties first arriving succeeded in rescuing the books, desks, and part of the window sash, the rest of the building was consumed or rendered useless. The building was of brick, and cost $300. The fire was caused by ashes left in the entry. We are informed that ashes were left both in a tin pail and in a wooden box. There was an insurance of $600 on the premises in the Welland Mutual Insurance Co., but inasmuch as a condition of the policy is to the effect that the company will not be held responsible for loss from fire caused by leaving ashes in wooden vessels, it is doubtful if the town will get the insurance money. The circumstances certainly judicate a great lack of caution both on the part of the teacher and the trustees-on the part of the teacher in not seeing that proper care was taken of the ashes, and on the part of the trustees in not having the building more heavily insured and in not seeing that the conditions of the policy were strictly observed.
Welland Tribune
27 November 1872
Fire: 22 November 1872
FIRE-At about 12.30 a.m. on Saturday morning, a fire was observed to break out in the brick school house, on the north side of the Chippawa river. With the help at hand, it was found impossible to stop the fire, and before sufficient aid came the flames had obtained such hold as to render any attempt to put them out ineffectual. As no hopes of saving the building could be entertained, attention was turned to rescuing as much as possible from the devouring element. The desks, chairs and all the books of the pupils were gotten out safely, and most of the windows were taken out of their casings and carried away to a place of safety, so that little was left but the walls and roof. This fire broke out apparently in the lobby, where some ashes had been deposited, from which it is supposed the fire originated as it first showed itself above this spot. The house is a ruin. The building is insured to the amount of $600 in the Welland Mutual Insurance Company.
Welland Telegraph
28 November 1872
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
H.W. Macoomb’s New House Went up in Flames Early this Morning
Welland, April 10-H.W. Macoomb’s new house on the River Road is a wreck owing to a disastrous fire which occurred there early this morning. About 4 o’clock a.m. the fire alarm sounded. In fifteen minutes hose cart No. 1 from the old town hall was on the scene, but the fire had reached its height then and the flames were streaming through the roof. At 4.30 the second stream was put on, but in the meantime the house was nearly a wreck. About all that was left to do was to save the walls, and Contractor Ellsworth could not say this morning whether the walls would be of any use or not.
The fire was first seen by Judge Wells, and he telephoned Mr. Macoomb and the Central, which telephoned around town endeavoring to get somebody to ring the alarm. Chief Braedin got the alarm from the millers on top of Cooper’s mill, and rang the bell. Considerable delay took place in getting enough people out. The bell either did not sound loud and long enough at first, or the people were unusually sleepy. A high wind was blowing. Finally three men started out with the hose cart, and got stuck in the mud in front of the registry office, and had to wait until others arrived.
The building had been in construction several months and was practically completed. It was built of cement bricks and fitted with beautiful hard wood work. The house was unfurnished, but a large portion of the furniture was to have been installed in a day or two.
The cost of the building so far was $4000, and the insurance amounting to $2500 will not cover the loss.
The cause of the fire is not known.
The gas in the hot air furnace was probably left burning.
The night was wet or the fire would certainly have spread to Judge Wells’ house, as it was at the time covered with sparks.
Mr. Macoomb hopes to have the building reconstructed by August.
People’s Press
10 April 1906
Fire: 10 April 1906
House and Contents Almost A Total Loss
The unusual alarm of fire startled the town about ten minutes before 7 last Wednesday morning. Being so near the work hour, a good many at first thought the bells and whistle were sounding for 7 o’clock, but not so.
James Durham’s frame dwelling house on Ross street, near the G.T.R. depot, was the scene of the conflagration, and with the most of the contents was quickly reduced to ashes.
All that was got out were the piano and a very few other household articles. Gas was used for fuel, and the fire apparently caught from the chimney, probably the gas being turned causing greater heat than anticipated.
Mr. Durham was in Bay City, Mich., and Mrs. Durham in Toronto. Those in the house at the time were their son Teskey Durham, their daughter, Mrs. Dunlop, and her child. Mr. Dunlop and a boarder named Graham, who work at Beatty’s, had gone to their work. Mrs. Dunlop and baby has not yet risen, and as the fire got quite a start on the roof before being discovered, they were hustled out rather unceremoniously by the flames. The fire was discovered by Mr. Mathews of the G.T.R. and by Teskey Durham about the same time.
The loss is estimated at over $1100. The house alone was valued at $800 and was insured for $400. There was also $400 on the furniture. The insurance was with the Merchants and Equity companies. The flames made a clean sweep of all the clothing and personal effects of the boarder Graham.
The water pressure on the mains was very weak for some cause or other. Probably the building would have burned anyway owing to distance, etc., and it is fortunate that attention has been called to the water service for fire. This is a matter in which the safety of the whole town is at stake, and the council should remedy the trouble whatever it is, and that without an hour’s delay.
Welland Tribune
1 March 1901
Fire: 27 February 1901
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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