Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1893-09-21


Marshfield, Wis, Sept. LEICESTER
day and last night will long be rernern-
bered by the people of this section of
the country, more especially the scenes
Of Last night. Driven by terrific
wind of two great forest fires, one. on
the south and another ON the north
side of the city, threatened destruction
and swept everything before them
Reports of terrible fires at Spencer
and Colby were received tonight
At one time the fire got within, the
city limits but was met by an army Of
citizens who formed a bucket Brigade
and succeeded in preventing a repeti-
ton of the disaster SIX years ago. The
smoke was binding. Reports of great
loss of property come in hourly
Powers Station two miles nortIB of
here, was entirely wiped out A dozen
families lived there and barely escap-
ed with their lives.
The loss of life as far as can BE
learned at this writing, is only the two
children of Frank Kohl, who, it is re-
ported, were sUffocated. Mcmillan.
five miles east of here, is surrounded
by fire, but with increased help from
Stevens Point and this place it is be
lfeved the town can be saved Many
settlers families are IA the city who
have lost everything.
Co D patroled' the city all night
and NO one slept. The danger line is
believed to be passed as far as this
city IS concerned, as most OF the sur
rounding country has; been burned
over A special over the Lake Shore
and teams from this city moved most
of the families from Mcmillan last
night The loss to standing pine will
be immense.
Partiets returning from the burned
district report that all along the road
the GdrcaSSeS of horses. cows oxen and
pigs can be seen. A bulletin signed by
MAY w. LEI. Upham is posted i'm this
place, calling for aid for the sufferers
The wind of yesterday, which abated
during tht night, is again raising and
other great losses must surely follow
A message at noon from Mcmillan
brought another call for aid and every
available man is being sent them The
smoke is so thick and excitement so
great that an accurate account of the
situation is hard to get Nrarshf1eld is
out OF danger, despite the fact that
many have packed their household
goods and some families moved away
Maj. Upham arrived here from Mil
waukee this morning and has been
busy since organizing more thorough
fire protection system. So far rs heard
from between forty and fifty families
are homeless in this vicinity, but the
list will be swelred by another sun,
unless something transpires to stay
the flames.
Peshtigo, Wis, Sept. 15.-There has;
been no rain in this section for weeks.
Not day passes but numerous forest
fires are reported. Day after day this
village has been flied with smoke and
it reminds the people of that great
fire which killed many people in 1911.
Merrill, Wis, Sept. IA high wind
has famed the smOuldering forest fires
into flames, and but for the fact that
the wind is from the northwest the
city would be in great danger. Terri
BILE destruction to farms and property
has been done. Several farmers have
lost their all. No lives have been lost
as far as known
Marinette, Wis, Sept 15.-Forest
fires are raging to such an extent in
Marinette county that considerable ap-
prehension is felt for the safety of
the several smaller towns which are
situated in the midst of the forest.
Large clouds Of smoke have relied
over Marinette, totally ObScuring the
sun and rendering it impossible to dis
tinguish objects at a distance Of
hundred yards.
West Superior, Wis, Sept. 15.-Heavy
rains have fallen today which have
helped those fighting the forest fires to
get them under control, and no further
danger is feared. The Wisconsin Cen
owing to the fires along the track.
Thorp, Wis, Sept. 15.-Forest fires
are still raging hereabouts with nom
ina damages so far No rain has fall
len here for six weeks. Wires are
down east Of Withee.
Grand Rapids, Wis, Sept. 15.-Ter-
rible fires are approaching Centralia
from the southwest under heavy wind
The air is full of smoke and cinders
and the city is in danger.
Green Bay, Wis, Sept. 15.-Prairie
fires set McDonald's lumber mill in
Fort Howard afire and the lumber
yards and mill were destroyed. Loss
over $4,000.