The Wheeling daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1865-1903, 1880-08-11
TEN ACRES OF FLAMES.
A big FIRE AMoNa sBIPPINa.
A Destructive connaEratIon Raging II
the New York Harbor.-Three
Millions of Properly Proba-
bly, Destroyed.

| Rkh lOHkt AuRu6I lU-NuOS'-A BIeA
fire is raging at Hunters Point, on the
East River, opposite this city. The oil
ship Nictaux, which caught fire Sunday
night, and was towed out and left adriit,
aoated this morning Ogainst the pier ol
the American Export Lumber Company,
where were several vessels unloading.
The Nictaux has been burning since she
was cast adrift, and when she struck the
pier the flames communicated to adjacent
vessels and thence to the lumber yard, and
spread with irightiul rapidity. Six barges,
one schooner and a ship are thus far de.
stroyed. Over ten acres Of fire is now raging
wildly and the c6naagration is entirely be-
yond the control OF the tiremen. Several
OF the burning vessels were towed into the
river and are drifting towards Blackwell's
Island, enveloped in sheets Of fame. The
fire is spreading in every direction, and as
seen from the river is sight OF indescrib-
able grandeur, and thousands OF small
boats filed with spectators are hovering
around the scene, but are compelled 10 re-
main on the opposite side, and far above
or far below, as the heat from the great
conhagration is terrible. It is now esti-
mated that over three million dollars
worth Of property is in danger.
ANOTHER AccOuNT.-This morning the
hull OF the burning vessel Nictaux, was
still ahlaze. 1t foated against the pier
occupied by the American Export Lumber
Company, at Hunters Point. The prem.
ises occupied by the company, occupies
both sides Of New Town creek. At the
time the Sictaux came in contact with
the pier, they were unloading their large
number OF vessels. The FIRE Immediately
communicated to the lumber yard and
spread in every direction with lightning
rapidity. From the yard the fire spread
to the vessels, and Notwithstanding the
efforts made by several tugs which hasten.
schooner aud one ship, were in flames.
over ten acres OF fireis now raging wildly, |
and it appears TO be beyond the control OF
the fremen. Several burning vessels
were towed into the river and have diff.
ed with the tide towards Blackwell's
Island, enveloped in sheet of flame. The
fire is spreading in every direction and no
estimate can be formed as to its probable
extent. The scene from the river is one
of indescribable grandeur. The flames
rising in every direction devouring every
thing in their path.
The Erening Post says: The stock of the
Export Lumber Company, mostly Canada
pine, valued at 500, 600, about one half OF
which is already destroyed, is fully in
sured. About 100000 Of the insurance
on the burned lumber has been placed |
within the week. The rate OF insurance,
only one per cent, is placed chiefly in for.
eign companies. Charles Watrough's
stock OF lumber, Canada pine, valued at
$4,000 was burned. Total loss about !
$500, ,0O0,. Insured.
STILL Lateral first many persons
in the shops about the fire began to make
preparation to abandon their abOdes, but
after the fremen we're well at work every
one, including all the lumber yard work.
men, boatmen and many outsiders, lent
helping hand, and pile after pile OF lumber
was moved away with remarkable swift
ness. At II O'Clock Q wide, open space
half around the Gre was sleared, and was
drenched with water, and streams
were poured upon the lumber boarding
In this open space, and thus wider spread
Vi LuG ul6 " % LiuhO lCpo PAOb0biC' 1ho
greatest danger was from the burning
pieces OF wood carried by the wind.
Fire alarms were sent TO some Williams
burg companies, and later general alarms
sent out calling all fire companies Of the
western division OF the Brooklyn Fire De.
partment to place in addition three
Blissville companies, two Hunters
Point, ono from Dutch Kills and
the Jackson Hose Company worked
atthe fire. An alarm was sent TO New
York and two fire boats were sent i'm
mediately to the scene. Towards after
noon the fire department obtained mas
terry over the flames, and later very heavy |
showers materially aided in extinguishing
them. The Lumber Export Company are
making up their list OF insurance risks
preparatory to the meeting OF the under.
writers tomorrow. They can only say all
the losses are fully covered in the city
companies, and risks vary from 3 500 TO
$4,000 in each office. The Watsons are
absent from the city, and the only state.
ment that can be got at the office is that
they are fully insured.
The Tribune this morning says the water
supply OF Long Island city was insuti-
cient TO furnish the the steamers with wa
ter at the Hunters Point fire.