Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1895-10-31
FOREST FIRES.

Mr.. Peter Brown, a well-knoWn
farmer in the town of Sigel. has been
gaining considerable notorietv and an
unsought reputation during the past
few years for forest-tire connections of
a peculiar and unfortunate character
He OWNS extensive and large property
about four miles from Centralia and
every Fall clears up land by burning
stumps and rubbish. Each year, it is
alleged, either through carelessness or
negligent attention TO the fires started.
he has allowed the flames to escape
his control, being spread by the winds
upon adjoining farmers lands causing
great loss and devastation. Mr.. Brown
is constantly being troubled in the
courts by suits for recovery, and last
year damages to the amount of $4,000
were claimed to have been caused by
fires started on his land. He has made
some settlements for same, and mort
cages are known to be held over his
farm given as security for fire losses
acknowledged 10 have been caused by
him.
During the past weeks farmers in his
neighboriood have been fearful to
leave their homes any length of time
because 1t was known that Brown was
''buruing brush again" Whether or
no their fears were well founded we
have still to learn. One thing is certain,
that Mr.. Brown seemed extremely
sensitive on the subject, and all
approaches made to him concerning
involved dangers have met with the
pert reply that che could take care Of
his own fires"
On Wednesday and Thursday Of last
week forest fires in that vicinage urged
to surprising speed by hard wind,
destroyed considerable property in
Guiding fences, hay stacks, cord wood
posts, timber, etc, and nearly resulted
in the death of one person. Mrs
Euzebe LaVigne found that her home
lay in the path of the oncoming fiery
demon and started out to get help from
neighbOrs. Returning she was over
taken by the blaze leaping faster than
man could run and on an old road
progress cut off and she was surrounded
Her screams brought the assistance of
the men she had summoned and with
commendable efforts they rushed
through the fire and carried her out,
already fallen into a swoOn. She was
taken to a neighboring farm house and
cared for.
The destructive element passed on in
northeasterly direction for more than a
mile; through to Doudville station. Mr..
LaVigne saved his barn buildings and
stock only by strategic efforts.
The black stretch has been traced
back to its starting point and witnesses
claim that it led up to Mr.. Browns
fires. The neighbors round about are
furious and cases for prosecution are in
the hands of attorneys galore. Mr..
Brown has counter claim that he saw
a man setting fire in the marshes at
point where above started.
Last winter law was passed forbid
| ding any person to set fires during the
months of July, August, September and
October in any town in this state, ex
cept for camping purposes, without
permission of the fre-wardens of the
town. A written statement has been
given by the frewardens of Rudolph
in effect that they did not give Mr..
Brown authority to set any fires. If
the wardens have performed their duty
by posting the necessary notices re-
qnired by law, Mr.. Brown is certainly
open to criticism. This claim is the
third made in as many years.