The record-union., 1891-07-24
Special to the REcoRp-US1os.

Wy @os--botfClL
south of Bakersfield, on Wednesday
evening, while trying to light fire with
coal oil, the can exploded, enveloping
Mrs. Jonathan Curnow in the flames
from head to foot. She rushed from the
house, threw herself into little pool of
water, but every stitch of her clothing
was burned off, roasting her from head
to foot. The house, in which were her
two children, caughtsfre, when, with the
flesh hanging in shreds from her hands,
she pumped water and saved the house
from destruction, and after that had
strength enough to empty can of syrup
over herself. A Chinaman first dis
covered the accident, and when he came
tie poor woman was still conscious. She
was not burned internally, and may re-
cover, though the chances are slight.
DISASTROUS FIRE AT PLACERvILLE.
PLACERvILLE, July 23.-u P. M.-The
most disastrous fire that has occurred for
many years is raging at this time. The
fire originated in the hardware establish
ment of Weatherwax IL Morey in the
iron workshop, structure in the rear of
the storehouse. This was ablaze when
the alarm was given. Before the fire
companies could get over the line of busi-
ness blocks adjoining with water hose
the fire had Communicated to all frame
buildings that formed the line in the rear.
Splendid work has now stopped the pro-
gresS of the fire eastward, after burning
the rear of the Mountain Democrat office.
The buildings thus far burned are from
those westward beyond the livery stable
of Tuck Holdridge. No correct estimate
OF the damage can at this minute be
made.
LATER.-The fire which broke out at
9 O'Clock is now under control. Follow
ing is the property destroyed: Part of
the Mountain Democrat building, r. An
derson's tinshop and tools, Grangers'
Union, rear buildings and stable; b. Z.
Gelman's shoeshop, Weatherwax &
Morey's hardware establishment. con-
sisting of three buildings; J. w. Keenan's
furniture and undertaking establish
ment, Shelley 1nch's book and stationery
store, partial; also Mrs. B. Thomas mil
linery establishment, Holdridge's feed
and livery stable, also rear frame struct-
ure of Mr.. Simon, Thomas Anderson and
f. T. Barss, and Mrs. Kempthorne's
residence. The stable buildings belong
ing to a. Mierson were destroyed by
giant powder to prevent the progress of
the fire.
An abundant supply of water, high
pressure at the main and the excellent
work of the firemen prevented the entire
destruction of the city.
FIRE AT CLEALUM, WASH.
CLEALUM (Wash.), July pa fire this
evening destroyed an entire block of bus
mess buildings. The loss will exceed
$4,000. The insurance is small.
The flames originated in the second
story Of Theron Stafford's drug and GEN
eral merchandise store and spread with
wonderful rapidity, owing to the dry con-
dition of the buildings and a slight breeze
which prevailed. The only means of
fighting the flames was with buckets and
force pump. The Roslyn Fire Brigade
responded promptly, but arrived too late
to be OF service, and relief was also sought
at Ellensburg, but no means were at hand
to transport the fire department.
All the business houses on the opposite
side OF the street are more or less dam
aged by intense heat, and the destruction
to the contents by removal was heavy,
the losses on this account exceeding Sl2,-
600.
Sheron Stafford was severely burned in
removing things from his building, and
Michael Garrison was fatally injured.
being caught by falling timbers.
The loss is serious one to the town.
THE LICK OBSERVATORY THREATENED.
SAN JOSE, July 23.-The fire on Mt.
Hamilton assumed serious aspect yes
Oolody HiOl lillS, anu dI IL o CLOCK TO-
night, In response to a call, six more
men were sent from here to help fight
the flames. The Observatory buildings
are in danger. Over six square miles
have been burned over. Morrow's i'm
mense ranch, comprising between 10000
and 10000 acres, is said to be almost com
pletely burnt over. Many thousand acres
of hay have been destroyed. Great dam
age is still threatened. Hundreds of men
are out in all directions fighting the
flames, but thus far with little success.
The fire tonight is within one mile of
the Observatory, from the dome of which
a magnificent view Of the sea Of fire is
had.
WORK OF FIRE FIEND.
MARYsvILLE. July 23.-Tuesday night
man on horseback was seen to set fire
TO woodpile near some stacks of wheat
belonging to j. p. Risper, near Browns
Valley. The wheat was consumed, and
the loss will exceed $500. The fire-fiend
was pursued, but eluded those who fol-
lowed him. There is considerable feeling
among the farmers over the matter.