Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1892-07-26
A GREAT CONFEDERATION.
Three Hundred Dwellings Destroyed
Fire Still Raging-Loss of Life.
lRv LnIacranh % the IIianatchI


IBy telegraph 10 the uispatch.I
BAY CITY MICH, July 25.-The greatest
confagration which ever visited Bay City
broke out at 2 O'Clock this afternoon IN
the lumber-manufacturin establishment
Of Miller n Turner. situated on the west
side of Water street at the foot Of Twenty
ninth street. A brisk southwest wind was
blowing at the time. which famed the
flames into a roaring cOnhagration and
swept them across Water street into
the settled district. The east side' Of
Water street. where the fire crossed was
built up with stores, hotels, and restau-
rants. Nearly all the buildings were con-
structed of wood, and burned like tinder.
The wind increased az the flames pro-
gressed, and in an hour the fire had con-
sumed Miller Il Turner's entire plant,
comprising q saw-mill. dry-kllns. and q
large quantity of lumber. The flames had
also travelled three blocks TO the eastward,
cutting aswath two blocks wide. At this
point the path OF the conhagra-
ton broadened. and block after block was
swept over with astounding rapidity. The
scene which ensued beggars description.
Thousands of men, women. and children
rushed about, all engaged in removing
furniture and household effects from be-
fore tho advancing flames. Every vehicle
the ground. and as - always the case at
such times, the owners charged fabulous
prices tor their services.
At O'Clock about thirty blocks had
been burned over, while twenty moro were
supplying fresh fuel TO the destroying ele-
ment. When the chief of the fire depart
ment first realized the extent of the dan
ger he telegraphed to Saginaw. Flint,
and Detroit for assistance. Saginaw
and Flint responded, each city sending
an engine and quantities of hose. Nearly
oil of West Bay City's equipage came to the
scene of the disaster and lent such assist
ance as Law in the power Of their tlremen.
But. with hundre Is of streams playing on
the fire. the flames pursued their course,
licking up house after house until at 4
O'clock upwards Of 800 dwellings had been
destroyed. and the conhagratlon wa' still
sweeping towards the eastern limits Of the
city.
While tho majority of the buildings
burned belonged to working people. many
fine residences have been consumed. Two
churches. four hotels, and about forty
stores of all varieties are included among
the structures which have contributed
fuel 10 the flames.
At this hour 20 p. Nd many rumors are
ahoat concerning persons who have
perlshed SO far 90 is positively known
only ole death has occurred, that OF a
woman whose name it is impossible to
learn tonight. She lay sick in one OF the
houses which was destroyed. Before as
slstance could reach her the dwelling was
seething mass of ire and the poor crea
ture had 10 be left TO her fate. lt IS also
reported that two children were burned TO
death, but the story lacks confirmation.
Miller Il Turner, on whose premises the
fire started. lost about SlJ0,OO0. mostly
covered 10y insurance. The entire loss
will reach upwards of Sl,0OO,0)O but 1t is
impossible to learn to night the extent to
which different parties are insured.