The Portland daily press., 1885-02-20
RECORD OF FIRES.



PHILADELPHIA, Feb. 19.-Fire originated in
some manner unknown, in the five story brick
structure, No. 125 Chestnut street, occupied by
Stephenson & Co., Getz & Straller, Richard A
Blythe and Garsede & Co., all dealers in cot
ton and wool. Soon after the FIRE was discov-
cred. flames burst from the windows aud the
'front.' OF the three upper stories fell out and
crushed down into the street killing John Nc
Kay, laboreT, and horse attached to a hose
cart. The flames spread rapidly and Nos. 123
and III Chestnut streets were enVeloped in
flames. The former building was occupied by
Lsvine O.. Beatty & Co., dealers in worsted
yarns, and the latter by Geo. ii. McFadden &
Co., cotton-dealers.
The losses will aggregate about $3.50, 600, di-
vlded among about twenty firms. The heav-
lest losers are S. B. Still & Co.. commission
merchants, 100000.
Big Blaze in Chicago.
CHICAGO, Feb. 19.-Fire is now raging with
great fury in Granite block, on the east side of
Dearborn street, just south of Washington
street. The fire started at 5.45 this evening
and half an hour later it was found necessary
to turn in general alarm. The apparent de-
struction of one OF the finest office blocks in
the city seems certain. 1t is impossible now to
estimate the loss. At the time the fire was
discoyered, the emplopes in the various
offices were preparing to leave for the night,
and so far as learned all escaped safely. The
ire is said to have originated at the bottom of
the elevator shaft, where, during the past
week, new boiler has been put in and other
improvements made. Latest reports say the
flames are not yet out, and the loss by fire and
water is already very large.
The burned buildings include all on the
narth side OF Chestnut street between Second
and Letetia, excepting the Corn Exchange and
National Bank. M. Homer & Sens building,
III South second street, was totally destroyed
and that of Pitkin & Bros, 45 Sonth Second !,
was damaged. John McCourt, fireman,
has since died from his injuries.
| The body taken from the ruins and which was
| supposed to that of James Blyler has since
been identified as that of Thos. Marshall, q
| drayman, who was in the building where the
| fire originated at the time the wall fell.
Three Buildings Burned-One Life Lost.
New HAVEN, Ct., Feb. ia fire at Wal
lingford last night entirely destroyed the three
| story wooden structure on Centre street, known
as Franklin Hall. An old man named Jack
son, who roomed on the top floor, was burned
| to death
$4,000 LESS in Westerly, R. Il.
PROVIDENCE, Feb. 19.-Fire started in the
| double three story wooden building known as
| Bridge block, Westerly, owned by jeremiah
| Potter of New York, at o'clock this morning,
AID spread to two other buildings owned by
| Mayson q Co. The bottom tube sheet OF the
| only fire engine available, blew out and four
| buildings were destroyed before aid could be
| summoned from elsewhere. There were a
| large number of occupants in the buildings
| This is the third large conhagration which has
| occurred on this site the last twenty years.
| The fire originated in the west end of the
block, but exactly where, and how is not
known. The total loss will probably reach
| $40 900.