Roseburg review. [volume] (Roseburg, Or.) 1885-1920, 1885-07-10
FIRE .DEP4RTyNEFT.
Report of The Chief Engineer Of the Rose.
burg Ere Department

70 TRE HONORABLE, THE BOARD OF
TRUSTEES oFTHE Cry OF RosEBURG.
THE time has arrived for me to submit
to your Honorable Body, my annual
report as Chief Engineer of the Fire
Department Of this City.
During the year just closing, there
have been two fires. The first occurred
on Tuesday, August 18th, 1884 at half
past twelve o'clock, A. NJ The fire
originated in the Metropolitan Hotel
and was well under sway tefore the
first alarm was given and although the
entire department responded promptly
the building was entirely enveloped in
flames before work could fairly be be-
gun. TIE building was large two
story frame and contained an immense
| amount of combustible matter. The
heat became intense and al once in
velved the large two story brick of S.
Marks Il Co. across the street on the
north, also the wooden building occu-
pied by A. G. Marks diagonally oppo-
site, and the entire block directly op-
posite OH East side Of jackson street
and at one time hydrant No 2 at
Hamitton's corner was entirely sur
rounded by flames. Under the clrcum-
stances the Department worked with
zeal, patience and good Judgment. Git
izens chee,fully volunteered and rem
dered good service in protecting exposed
buildings and preventing the spread of
the fire. Property destroyed as fol
lows: Metropolitan Hotel, Sheridan
IL Critesers saloon, Sheridan Bros
hardware store, j. Jaskulek's jewelry
store, t. BsIfils' jewelry store, c. L.
Hadley's barber shop, Moore s. Fanis'
saloon, L. Langenbergs boot and shoe
store, Robert McCullough's saloon,
George Haynes dry goods store, Phil.
.Da Motta's barrier shop, S. Hamilton's
Caro- Bros. ard II G. Stantons ware
houses were completely destroyed and
Caro- Bros, Fl. G. Stanton's, Douglas
County Bank, S Marks & Co. $ and s.
Iami!ton's stocks and buildings were
considerably damaged. The loss by
this fire is very closely estimated at
| $4,000, with insurance at about
$4l 900, which was adjusted and paid
deeply regret to report that at this.
Ere, Louis Ziger ded in the flames;
Mrs. Johansen was rescued but so
badly burned that she fingered few
days and died. her husband and son
We're also severely burned but halpily
recovered; Others escaped with slight
injuries. The reservoir contained a lit
tie over three feet of water when the
lire began and this supply continued
for nearly three hours when the fire
was substantially extinguished. Ori-
gin of fire unknown.
An alarm of FIRE was given on Tues
day, April 7th, 1885, at 4:30, A. NJ.
efhe department was again promptly
on the ground and in brief time ex-
tingGished the flames This occurred
at the saloon of Thomas Taylor near
the depot. The loss was adjusted and
paid by insurance company at 500.
Origin of fire unknown. An alarm of
fire was given during same month
caused by fue burning out at residence
Of S. S. Marsters. Again the fire de-
partment responded with alacrity.
/ desire to call your attention to the
fact that the condition of the reservoir
is such that it will not hold to exceed
eleven feet of water. This defect
should, if possible, be remedied.' There
is now about that much water in it,
sufficient to extinguish any fire within
its reach In this connection, rec
| ommend the construction of an addi--
tional hydrant to be placed at or near
Abrahams' brick store. This will re-
qnire about three hundred and seventy
five feet of pipe From that point
water can reach both of the principal
livery stables, which as we are now sit
uated would in case of fire present a
very formidable danger.
I also urge strict enforcement of the
fire rules and regulations adopted by
the City. They are sufficient if prop
erly enforced.
The fire apparatus and property are
kept in good condition and the two
companies are composed of active and
conscientious men, who appreciate
their duties and responsibilities as fire.
men.
| In retiring from my Office, / take
occasion to thank the officers of the
City for cooperation, and the member: