The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1894-09-07
DROUGHT AND FIRE AT HOME
AID ABROAD.
ngIions los, 10 Pennsylvania, wiseon'
sin, Michigan, washington, and
Other States.


due to enormous fires on the noun
tains and especially the big one which
IS raging in Mrncy Valley, about forty
miles from here John Hullinger, a
lumberman, who arrived in the city
to-day from North Mountain, says
Hundreds Of thousands of feet Of
the finest timber in that part OF the
State are being destroyed, and no less
than 1000 men have been working tor
the past two days trying to extingulsh
the flames which are sweeping over
hundreds Of acres. Great excitement
prevails at Muncy and Williamsport,
and the trains leaving the latter city
are crowded with people on their way
TO the forest, many of them to assist
in the effort to conquer the fire. Un-
less help in the way of rain comes
within the next day or two the loss
will not only be appalling, but the
entire lumber district Of that section
win be destroyed
e Fires are also raging on the noun
tains on all sides Of the city, and
though not set very extensive It IS
feared they may spread, as owing to
long drought the woods are as dry as
a long spell ot hot weather can make
them. This iack Of rain is causing
serious suffering in all parts Of the
county. The farmers state that their
crops are all drying up, and every
thing is parcEed and cracking for the
want of moisture.
In the lower end Of the county
nearly all the collieries have been
compelled 10 suspend operations un-
til there is rain, and there is not suffi-
cient water to supply their boilers.
The mines in this part Of the county
are little better off as most of them
have private reservoirs, but these are
becoming rapidly exhausted, and
another week OF dry weather will
cause a suspension here it is feared.
Up at Honesdale the Delaware and
Hudson collieries will be compelled
to shut down IN a day or so, and the
Delaware River from Lackawaxen
West is almost dried up.
HARRISBURG, Aug. 3o.-The fires
in the mountains north and west OF
this city have created great clouds Of
smoke which are gradually creeping
down from the mountains and envelop-
ing the city.
From no point in the city looking
in any direction is there a clear view
that shows the boldness OF the noun
tain range. All is dim and foggy. Re-
ports from the Junlatta Valley and up
the North B,anch say that from the
towns the sight Of the forest fires is
grand beyond description. A good
rain is very badly needed just now to
put out the fires and clear up the
atmosphere.
MILroN, Aug. 3o.-The smoke
from the forest fires has been so dense
in this section that it is impossible to
distinguish the hills and mountains
within radius of two miles.
Crops and vegetables are drying up
for want of rain and water is so scarce
in the country that it is being hauled
in barrels from the river and that is
very low. The dew that falls in the
morning and evening is scarcely per
ceptible, and does little good.
CHIPPEWA FALLS, Wis, Aug. 3o.-
Forest fires in this section have been
intermittent for two months, and the
aggregate loss is not less than $1,000
600 among the pine land owners and
saw mill men, besides loss to indlvid-
uals. Fires are raging around Prentice,
which was almost wiped out few
weeks ago, and fire apparatus has
been sent there from this city. The
village Of Vesper, in Wood County,
was completely demolished yesterday,
and twenty families are reported
homeless. At Mason City, ten miles
distant, citizens are exhausted by con
tinuously fighting fire, and little is left
in the village. At Lafayette forest fires
devastated the homes of six farmers.
Fire is raging in Phillips, which was
almost destroyed in the last fire. A
fire engine and crew sent from this
city is now engaged in the outskirts
keeping back the fire. Not one of the
$50 buildings in the town is now
standing. Fire is burning at Silver
Springs Park, four miles distant fIom
this city, and the plant of the Chip
pewa Spring Water Company a large
concern that ships to all parts Of the
country, is in danger.
Fires are booming along the Chicago
st. Paul, Minneapolis & Omaha, be.
tween Chippewa Falls and Spooner,
for goo miles, and every town is suffer,
ing to greater or less degree, fire
protection being out of question. At
Masen City the Jump River Lumber
Company lost its plant, 1000, 900 OF
logs and 2,ooo, 900 of sawed lumber.
Fires are raging with terrific fury
tkrouob tho fOroetc of Purpat and