The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1889-08-06
BLOTTED FROM THE EARTH
Spokane Falls, Another of Washington's
Largest Cities, Destroyed By Fire.
Business Portion Swept Away-0nly One
Life Known to Have Been Lost.

SPOKANE FALLS. W. T., Aug. 5.-The en-
tire business portion of this city was de-
stroyed by fire last night. Twenty-Five
blocks were reduced to ashes. The estl-
mated loss is s14. 900, 900.
The fire started at Up. ~. in lodging
house on Railroad avenue. The fire de-
partment came on the scene quickly, out
owing to a lack of water the fire quickly
spread to adjoining frame buildings, and
was soon beyond control. The flames
jumped across the street to the Russ House
and the Pacific Hotel. By this time
strong wind sprung up. and it was evident
that the city was doomed The flames
spread with fearful rapidity. The iremen
were powerless. Attempts were made to
check the fire by blowing up buildings In
its path, but it was useless. From the Pa
cfic Hotel the fire swept across First street
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 avenue, was easily carried away.
From here the fire communicated to the
magnificent Hyde Block, a four-story build
ing, taking the whole square between Mill
and Howard streets, on Riverside
avenue. The fire next leaped across How
ard street. and in a few minutes the block
between Howard and Stevens streets was a
mass of red-hot ashes. The next structure
to succumb was the large Tult Block.
From there the conflagration went whirl
ing through the solid blocks of four-stOry
brick buildings, including the postoffice,
between Stevens and Washington streets.
At this point the fire burned out from lack
of material.
From the place of origin the fire had
meanwhile taken another direction. leap
ing 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 be-
tween Post and Mill streets were quickly
licked up, including the Grand Hotel.
From there the waves of flame poured into
the adjoining square on the right contain
ing the Frankfort Block. the largest build
ing in the city. The Frankfort cost $3.50. 900.
1t withstood the fire for some time, but
finally disappeared. The Arlington Hotel
was now enveloped in flames. Suddenly n
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 place of
safety: He, was pitiable sight, having
been literally roasted alive. the skin peel
ing OF all over his body. The unfortunate
mans name was Charles Davis. He died at
noon today. 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,
where q vacant lot checked further prog
ress in that direction. Every thing in a
northerly direction, including the Northern
Pacific express Office, the Union Block and
the Windsor Block, a mass of
fiames. The river prevented the fire from
doing further damage, and was the means
of saving all the big Touring and lumber
the awful destruction. The only business
block standing in the city is the Crescent
Bullding, which W IS saved by means of
tearing down intervening buildings
Owing to the rapidity with which the
fre spread, scarcely anything was saved.
Provisions are scarce, and will last only a
short time.
The City Council met this morning and
appointed a committee on relief. TWAS de-
cided that provisions should be sent for
and the needy supplied free. The superin-
tendent of the city water-wOrks was de-
nounced by the Council for neglecting his
duty, lie 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 con-
troll The militia is ont in force. and all
persons without passes are forbidden to en-
ter the burnt district.
Five out of the seven banks destroy ed
were again doing business to-day, all being
located in the Crescent Block, the only
business structure left standing. Notwith-
standing the extent of the calamity. the
people wear cheerful air and bear their
losses brsvely. Many business men have
already signitied their intention of rebuild
ing