The morning call., 1892-07-27
THE MICHIGAN FIRE.
Forty Blocks Burned in the Lumber Dis.
trict Of Bay City.

BAY CITY, Mich, July 25.-The terrible
FIRE which started yesterday afternoon con-
iinued to rage all night, and the sun rose
this morning on field of ashes extending
over 40 blocks. II is estimated that over 100
buildings. occupied as stores, factories and
dwellings, are In ruins. The fire burned
swath OF six blocks wide from the river
almost TO the city limits. distance of nine
blocks, sweeping everything in its path. aud
only stopped when it had nothing to feed
on. the houses having become scattering.
The loss is estimated at S1,OOO.000
a terrific wind was blowing from tie
southwest when the flames started in Miller
& Turner's sawmil. The burning boards
were carried 200 feet in the air aud wherever
dropped started new eonfag ration. The
hremen were utterly unable to cope with ii
and were driven quickly from point to
point The progress of the fire was through
the section largely occupied by the homes
Of laboriug men. They were compelled TO
abandon everything and are now buddled
in temporary quarters without the posses
sion OF anything IN the world aud nothing
to eat. The progress OF the fire was so
swift that even some wagons and drays
hauling away household goods were over
taken and burned in the streets.
The tirrmen finally attempted 10 make a
stand several blocks away, bat the cyclone
Of fire swept down on them, and soon there
were blazing l3 blocks from the point OF
starting. Here the wind began to die down
aud the firemen finally began to get the
mastery. The fire was not under control
till midnight
Many houses In the burned section were
built upon ground made from the refuse of
the mills, and not only were the buildings
consumed. but the sites also number Of
arrests were made of thieves stealing house
hold goods. Most of the business-places
burned had small stocks. ranging from $500
to $4,000. Miller 4 Co. lost 5000 OC0 feet
OF lumber, worth 500 900.
One great cause for the spreading of the
confiagratiOn were the Stats that were piled
on vacant lots among the dwellings. Ii is
estimated that 1000 cords were destroyed.
Relief for the Destitute.
At special meeting Of the Common
Council last night steps were taken for the
immediate relief Of the 800 families burned
out. Alter the adjournment of the Com
mon Council number of wealthy citizens
subscribed several hundred dollars for the
tenn oraTy relief of the families whose
homes had been destroyed. The committee,
after purchasing the stock of several restau-
rants. proceeded To the camp Of the home
less with couple of drayloads of provisions.
Ihe eatableS were apD0rtiOned among the
sufferers and at midnight, in the glare Of the
1ames, nearly 100 people partook OF the first
food they had tasted since the MONDAY
meal The bedding saved was arranged on
the sod and allotted to women. Never did
fire do cleaner work than this one With
In the burned locality not house was left
standing while eevery shade tree was stripped
OF foliage and left bare.
While the cODfagratiOn is serious blow to
the city and has Occasioned much suffering,
the idea that the city lies in ashes is mis-
taken one. The principal business portion
lies over two miles from the burned district
and remains intact. Ii is the poorer class
VINO VIII suffer most, and much money, food
ana clothing will be required to provide tor
their Immediate ana future wants. The
hrst fatality positively known of was dis
covered to-day, the remains of Jesse Miller
being found In the ruins of his residence
Lying close by the remains were several
gold coins. 1t Is supposed that he arrived
at home to find it in flames, and rushing
inside 10 rescue the gold was overcome by
toe heat and smoke.