The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1883-02-05

leum still of the STANDARD Oil-works, located
a considerable distance above the companvs
main works The escaping oil and refuse
were swept down stream and carried under
the boilers of the Great Western Oil-works,
which were nearly submerged. The oil was
ignited and tioated to tank containing
5000 barrels OF crude petroleum, which took
fire and exploded with violence, spread
ing the blazing oil in all directions, some
being carried to Merriam Moreans
paraffine works below, which were also fired.
Continuing down the stream the flaming
flood next attcked the works of the Standard
Oil Company, located in the valley, one after
another of which took fire, until tonight
five u 00-barrel tanks two 5,OOO-barrel
tanks. tour stills, one agitator, an engine
house, 500 feet of railway trestle and various
small works were destroyed. The tanks were
not all full. Not less than $4,000 barrels Of
oil were consumed. The total loss by fire IS
a matter of speculation 1t is estimated from
$50. 900 to S30O. 900. The machinery in the
stills was worth $4,000. Six steam fire en-
gines and three hook and ladder companies
have been working all day, and large force
of the department will be required all night.
The oil must all burn when it once
takes fire. Throwing water only
scatters without extingulshing the
flames. The tremen have to direct their
efforts to prevent the fire Spreading. They la
bored at great disadvantage, because much of
covered with water six feet deep, A huge
gasoline tank, looming up like an island in
the freshet, has been in great danger. The
escaping gas several times took fire. but was
extinguisbed in spite of the burning oil
floating all about and large tanks burning flu
riously close by. Had this caught terrible
explosion would have followed and incalcu-
liable destruction resulted.
Late tonight the eighth large storage tank
at the Standard Oil-works exploded and took
fire. Its contribution will make the loss Of
oil thus fnr IS. 600 barrels, worth about $780,
0O0 A tank containing $500 barrels of gaso-
line was momentarily expected to go, but at
midnight the conf1agration is thought to be
under control. The wind changed
and blew in favorable direction
turning the flames back over the burned dis
trict. Many of the Standard company's
tanks. cooper shop, large buildings and the
principal works are untouched. Still no pre-
diction can be made about what the fire may
do. Water at any time may break in the
tanks and scatter the burning oil.
Shurmer & Teagles Great Western Oil
works loss is about $4,000.
Merriam & Morgans paraffine works; loss
small.
The Standard Company's loss may reach a
quarter of a million; insurance small.
At midnight the river is booming and rain
falling steadily. Boards, shingles laths, and
great quantities of other stuff washed out OF
the lumber-yards and off the lowest docks,
are drifting into the lake Hemphy & Co. IS
undergrad, being on lower ground than
others. suffers most Railway and Geographic
communication has been seriously inter
rupted by the storm Trains arriving were
DELAYED from four to twelve hours All
trains on the Valley railway but one are
abandoned
This evening a schooner was torn from her
moorings and hurled against the New York
Pennsylvania & Ohio railway bridge the
draw of which was so wrenched that cars can
not pass, thus destroying Southern connec
tons
Northern Ohio generally is flooded, this city
apparently being in the center of the deluge
The ice which this morning, covered every
thing is melted The freshet holds undis
puted sway.