Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1889-08-06
THE SPOKANE FALLS FIRE.
A Lack OF Water Caused the Great Ex.
tent of the Confiagration.

1t is now learned by dispatches direct from
Spokane Falls, W. T., that the Ere there, of
which an account was given in yesterdays
STAR, destroyed twenty-five blocks of buildings.
The estimated loss is GA 00O, 600 Owing to
q lack of-water the fire quickly spread, and was
soon beyond control, and it was evident the
city was doomed. The flames spread with fear
ful rapidity. The fremen were powerless. At
tempts were made to check the fire by blowing
up buildings in its path, but it was useless
From the Pacific hotel the fire swept across
LIST street to the frame buildings in the next
block, and soon reached the heart of the city
The block of two-story brick buildings oD River
side avenue was easily carried away. From
there the fire communicated to the magnificent
hyde block, four-story building, taking in
the whole square between Mill and Howard
streets on Riverside avenue. The fire next
leaped across Howard street, and in a few min
utes the block between Howard and Stevens
streets was q mass of red hot ashes. The next
structure to succomb was the large Tult block.
From there the confagration went whlrling
through the solid hocks of four-story brick
buildings, including the post Office, between
Stevens and Washington streets. At this point
the ire burned out from lack OF material.
From the place of origin the FIRE had mean
while taken another direction, leaping across
Sprague street to the opera house, and thence
over Riverside avenue to Browns bank; then
both sides of the avenue were In flames The
buildings between Post and Mill streets were
quickly licked up, including the Grand hotel.
From here the waves of flames poured into the
adjoining square on the right. containing the
Frankfort block, the largest building in the
city The Frankfort cost $3.50, 900. 1t with
stood the fire for some time, but finally disap-
peared.
MAN ROASTED ALIVE.
The Arlington hotel was now enveloped in
flames. Suddenly man was seen to jump
from the second story. He arose and started
to run down Howard street, but was overcome
by the heat and fell. Several people rushed to
his assistance and carried him to a place Of
safety. He was pitiable sight, having been
literally roasted alive, the skin peeling of all
over his body. The unfortunate mans name
was Charles Davis. He died at noon to-day.
Northward was the direction taken by the fire
from the Arlington. 1t consumed the block
between Howard, Main. Front and Stevens
streets, burning east as far as the latter
thoroughfare, when a vacant lot checked
further progress in that direction. Everything
in a northerly direction. including the Northern
Pacific express Office, the Union block and the
Windsor hotel, was soon a mass of flame.
STOPPED By THE RIVER.
The river prevented the fire doing further
damage, and was the means of saving all the
big Touring and lumber mills. Three hours
sufficed to complete the awful destruction. The
the Crescent building, which was saved by
means of tearing down intervening buildings
Owing to the rapidity with which the fire
spread scarcely anything was saved Provisions
are scarce and will last only short time.
THE WATER SUPERINTENDENT DENOUNCED.
The city council met this morning and ap-
pointed a committee on relief 1t was decided
that provisions should be sent for and the needy
supplied free. The superintendent of the city
water works was denounced by the council for
neglecting his duty, he being away at the time
OF the fire. The big pumps were not connected,
and as a result there was scarcely any pressure
Had the contrary been the case the fire would
have been easily gotten under control
The militia Is out in force and all persons
without passes are forbidden to enter the burnt
district. Five out OF the seven banks destroyed
were again doing business yesterday, all being
located in the Crescent block, the only business
structure left standing. Notwithstanding the
extent OF the calamity the people wear a cheer
full air and bear their losses bravely Many
business men have already signifed their in
tention to rebuild.