National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1880-04-15
GREAT FOREST FIRES.
The Pines and Cedars OF South Ier-
sey Burning.
Ficrconcss of the Flarnes-Creeks
aud Rivers Lenped by IA Bound-old
Ocean the Only Barricr-The Sun
Obsoured by the Smoke-A
Single Locomotive Spark
tho Cause OF All.



PoINT PLEASANT, N j., April 14.-It is cs,i-
mated that 300 acres of valuable timber land
was destroyed by the fire that swept across
the cedar and pine forests of Ocean aud Mon
mouth counties yesterday At midnight the
wind veered from the southwest to the west,
when tho fire pushed toward the ocean, where
its force was expended. The loss will 10 very
heavy Many choice bits of meadow and snipc-
hunting grounds lay In the mth of the fire.
New EGYPT, N. j., April 14.-One of the
most disastrous forest fires that have ever
visited this region is now sweeping across the
forests Of Cumberland, Atlantic and Ocean
counties. From Bricksburg TO Manchester the
Pine groves arc II blackened mass. Before
reaching Manchester the fiery element swaycd
TO tho southeast aud is now consuming tho
pino aud cedar land down as far as Cedar
Creek. The ere originated from locomotive
spark on the New Jersey Southern railroad
yesterday morning. Since that time an area
Of probably fifty miles in length and
ten miles in width has been destroyed.
Millions of gamo and other birds have been
suilOcated by the smoke, which is sitting for
miles around tho burned district Telegraph
wires are destroyed IN some parts. FOrtu-
nately the doomed district was but thinly in
habited. Some loss Of live stock Is reported.
The fire is still raging, but there arc indica-
tions of rain, which may put stop to 1t. The
sun has been oGscured miles from the scene of
the fire for the past two days. The woods and
swamps near Forkcd river, on the New Jersey
Southern railroad. are reported OIL fire.
FORK RIVER, N. j., April 1.-THE entire
country about here is mass of blazes. One
hundred square miles of cedar and pine forests
havo been consumed. The greatest alarm is
felt by the villagers, who are out fighting the
flames. Two houses in tho outskirts one be-
longing to q farmer named Goldins aud tho
othor to a charcoal burner have been burned
\ 4 A.! I...a
spont its force herc, but is spreading toward
Barnogat. The trains ofthe New Jersey South
ern railroad to-day ran the fiery gauntlet with
closed windows, which were blanketcd. Two
passengers undertook the dangerous ride. The
heat was intense aud the cars badly scorChed.
TONS RIVER, April 14.-The great forest fire
has crossed the river aud is speeding toward
Good Luck Point and Island Beach, and tho
utmost fears are felt that it will reach the
| town.
The people are fighting the fire by felling
trees a space from the flames aud in the di-
rection from the town to the bay and setting
them on fire. This has been partially success
full. Ormitt's mill, in u suburb Of the town,
Is reported as having been destroyed. The
| fire is said to have originated from the wood
burning locomotives on the Tuckertown rail-
road. There has been drought for days.
VICKsBURG, N. j., April l4.--In this vicln-
| ity the great forest fire Is eXtinguished. 1t
extends twelve miles from the railroad and
thence southwark. report, which seems
authentic from the hamlet of Seven Stones
says five buildings near there which lay iu
tho path of tho FIRE were destroyed. The loss
on cattle, horses and other live stock is said tc
be heavy, and is mostly caused by suliocation
The fine is working toward Shark river.
Il Woods Burning in Pennsylvania.
MILFORD, Pa, April 1I.-Owing to hgl
winds tho forest fires in Pike county are as
Stunning proportions. In remote townships il
is feared that all Of the valuable timber will
be destroyed. At night the horizon is a sheet
of flame. Large fires also prevail in Monroe
| county.