Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1845-06-27
FIRE IN THE WOODS.

The township of Moriah, in the State of
New York, has been scourged by one of the
most destructive fires we have ever known
IN wilderness region. The extent Of ter.
ritory burnt is about 8 miles ia length and 2
in breadth, on which was located quite a
number Of sawmills, dwelling houses. barns,
and large quantity Of valuable lumber, SC
nothing now remains but mass of ruins
The fire spread with such rapidly, that the
Inhabitants had barely time to escape with
their lives.
The loss is estimated at something over
three hundred thousand dollars. A cores.
pendent Of the Essex County Times gives
the following account Of it.
The FIRE originated in West Moriah on the farm of
Col. Barnes. 1t was first seen in little bit of tuft,
and water was turned on to put it out, but while Col.
Barnes men were dinner the wind blew it up and
spread II until II was unconquerable.
At II o'clock. A. NJ. June 10Th, it was on the road
leading from East to West Moriah. Two hours after
Barnes and Travis mills lay in ashes. BY o'clock,
p. NJ il had travelled about 8 miles, when it reached
the stream on which were the mills Of Judge Storrs,
Ensign, and Spencer Before o'clock, P. NJ, four
mills, &c, as above stated, lay heap of burning ru-
lns. Such was the rapdity with which the FIRE trav-
eed that the smoke in the distance was hardly dis
covered before the fire was upon the spot. The ami.
lies who lived at those saw mills had barely got thro
surmising what and where the FIRE could be, when
they were obliged to flee to themselves and little
could carry under their One family left in such
haste that the father lost even his hat. Fire was fire.
guenty discovered to fly and catch and of mile
Thus, these families who were fastening out of the
woods, would often discover fire ahead Of them when
they would hasten again, but only to pass through
fire and smoke.
Ten or twelve men were intensely engaged At wha
70 called "Ensign's supper mill" and in few moments
tho HYQ had I'D ham dine a
Sides so that they could net leave.-Many had lef
them. and some Of the item would have been glad e
leave. but being hemmed in, "they fought like brsv,
men, long and we'll" and tho At times ready to ami
from fatigue the mill and lumber were finally saved
During the hottest Of the fire, young Stores and WIN
Foster left from what was called "Ensign's lowe
mill to cross the hills to the other mills belonging
Judge Storrs. They passed in safety, and with ,hre
other men, by dnt Of hard labor saved the mills beni
also providenta'ly favored by change Of wind.
The situation Of these two companies of men wal
for time truly critical and excited intense interest il
the minds Of those who were "out of harms wsv.n-
Imagine them II miles from any clearnes chanc
of escape cut of-the flames ayine TO he height of
or hundred feet over their heads and enclosed in
small space Of few feet, with raging fires on all side
and some faint glimpse may be had Of their situation
Thanks to the brave! One family being too late 4
leave the woods, moved ali their goods. their cow AM
pig into on the pond where they ali remsire
over night in safety, though no, free from Gre.
! Leaves carried by The smoke and wind from This 6r
fell "thick and FAST as far of AZ Middebnrv ",
! distance Of 20 miles w.
In the vicinity of the fire the wind blew perfec
@us! lamb The 5o:ns Of The fire wa
the clouds Of smoke like the swift and angry cloud,
thunder storm impressed The people Of the tow
Ii is related by one who was arst a, the "uppe
mill" th., on his fir:t arrival the pond va: .ss!s
sun through the cloud. Of smoke made the pond sp