The Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1868-1895, 1889-08-07
SPOKANE FALLS IN RUINS.
sEATTLE's DISASTER DUPLICATED.
The Entire Business Portion of the Town
Destroyed by Fire-rhe Loss win Reach
Fourteen aIIIIioRs-One Dian Roast
ed AIiye-win Rebuild.

SPOKANE FALLS, W. T., Aug. 5.-The entire
business portion of this city WIS destroyed by
fire last night. Twenty-Five blocks were re-
duced to ashes. The estimated loss is $4,000,
900. The fire started at o'clock in the even
ing in a lodging house on RailrOad-ave. The
FIRE department came on the scene quickly, but
owing 10 q lack of water the fire quickly spread
to adjoining frame buildings and was soon be-
yond control The flames jumped across the
street TO the Russ house and the Pacific hotel
BY this time a strong wind had sprung up and
it was evident the city was doomed. The flames
spread with fearful rapidity. The fremen were
powerless Attempts 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
Firstst. TO the frame buildings in the next
block, and soon it reached the heart OF the
city The block of two-story brick buildings
on Riverside-ave was easily carried away
From here the FIRE communicated to the mag
nifeent Hyde block, q four-story building,
taking in the whole square between Mill and
Howard.sts. on Riverside-ave. The fire next
ieaped across Howard-st. and in few minutes
the block between Howard aud Stevens-sts-
vas mass of red.hot ashes The next Struct
ure 20 succumb was the large Tult block From
there the conhagration went whirling through
the solid blocks of fourstory brick buildings,
including the postofice. between Stevens and
Westinghouse. AT this point the FIRE burnt
out from lack Of material.
From the place of origin the FIRE had mean
while taken aGOtber direction. leaping across
= al, md
Riverside-ave to Browns bank; then both
sides Of the avenue were in flames. The build
ings between Post and Mill-sts. were quickly
licked up. including the Grand hotel. From
here the waves of fame poured into the ad-
ipinng square on the right, containing the
Frankfort block the largest building in the
city. The Frank fort block cost S2j0,OO0. 1t
withstoOd the FIRE for some time. but finally
disappeared.
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-st., but was overcome by
the heat and fell Several people rushed TO
his assistance and carried him TO place OF
safety. He was a pitiahle sight, having been
literally roasted alive, the skin peeling of all
over his body. The unfortunate mans name
was Charles Davis. He died al noon to-day.
Northwest was the direction taken by the
FIRE from the Arlington. Ii consumed the block
between Howard, Main, Front and Stevens-sts.,
burning east as far as the latter thOroughtare,
where q vacant lot checked further progress in
tlrat direction. Everything in a nOrtherly direc-
ton including the NOrthern Pacific express
office. the Union block and the Windsor block
was soon mass Of flames. The river pre-
vented the FIRE from doing further damage and
was the means of saving all the big Touring
and lumber mills.
Three hours suficed 10 complete the awfui
destruction. The only business block standing
in the city is 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. Pro-
visions are scarce and will last only a short
time. The city council met this morning and
appointed q committee on relief. 1t was de-
cided that provisions should be sent for and
the needy provided free. The superintendent
of the city water-works ", 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 Of the seven banks destroyed were
again doing bUsnes to-day, all being located in
the Crescent block. the only business structure
left standing. Notwithstanding the extent of
the calamity the people wear a cheerful air
and bear their losses bravely. Many business
men have already sgnifed their intention of
rebuilding.