The record-union., 1898-08-01
BRUSH FIRE NEAR THE CITY.
SHERIFF'S OFFICERS HELP EX-
TINGUIsH 1T.
1t was the Work Of Lazy Hobos-
The Brush Section to be
Raided Soon.

Larry Saturday afternoon Conrad
Scnepp, whose slaughter house is sit
uated about five blocks north of the
CITY limits, toward the American Riv-
er' noticed dense clouds of smoke rising
from the thick brush about six blocks
east or his place Investigation showed
mat about ten or twelve acres of brush
were blazing fiercely, but as the wind
was from the south and driving the
nre toward the American River, no
1urther danger was anticipated.
several hours later, however, stiff
breeze sprang up and some of the en-
perS We're carried across the river,
where they set on fire the grain field of
John Miller, the first ranch on the north
bank of the stream. Miller was alb
sent in San Francisco, but the fire was
discovered by Fred Gotobed, who keeps
the roadside inn at the north end of the
American River bridge. With the as
sistance of several residents of that To-
cality he managed, after long and labor
iouS work, in subduing the flames with
wet sacks
Along toward night another breeze
famed the smoldering fire in the grass
and brush on this side Of the river into
flames, which We're plainly seen from
the county bridge across the American
River, leaping higher and higher Dep
uty Sheriff Max P. Fisher, who was in
that vicinity, reported the situation to
Sheriff Johnson who, fearing that the
WIND might change to the north, and
remembering the terrible results Of the
recent brush fire near Folsom. which
lald many homes in ashes, at once dis
patched Deputy Fisher in charge of
gang of men, to try and stop the fire
before any of the many dwellings on
small fruit and vegetable ranches be
tween the river and the city limits were
reached.
By the time Sheriff Johnson's impro-
Vised fire brigade arrived the wind had
again died down. and after working for
some time in removing dry brush from
near the borders of the fire, the men
went home
About o'clock yesterday morning a
gust of wind carried some burning en-
bers across the river and again ignited
the dry grass on the edge of the north
bank, and soon an immense pile of cot
tonwood and willow stovewood belong
ing to Miller was on fire A number Of
young men, who happened to be bath
ing in the stream near there. managed
TO tear down the woodpile with the aid
of long hop-poles, thereby confining the
hre 10 about forty cords of wood Had
1t not been for their efforts in Drawing
the heat while clad in natures own
garb. several hundred cords of wood
would have been consumed
Sheriff Johnson and Deputy Sheriff
Fisher were determined to learn the
cause of the brush fire, and in making
close search yesterday afternoon they
found that two hobos, who had a brush
nut in the woods had started fire to
cook their monday meal and had neg
leeted to eXtinguish it before leaving
for town to beg or steal. Their bed
ding had caught fire. and the dry grass
near by was set ablaZe
A thorough search of the entire
brush section. as far as the railroad
bridge east of the city, was then made.
and a number of brush dwellers were
routed out. Among the denizens of the
jungle were several old men for whom
the Sheriff had only kind words. They
were Of the harmless kind whom busi-
ness reverses had driven forth friendless
and homeless But when six lusty. in
solent-loOking loafers. two of whom
Detective Fisher at once recognized as
ex-convicts. were lined up. all of the
weary WdSgleS species, Snerln john
son told them in brief but unmistakabIe
language that If they We're caught in
the next roundup, which would take
place this week they would be arrest
ed and prosecuted for vagrancy. 1t is
safe TO say that by that time they will
be many miles away.
Ever since the Bannister outrage of a
week ago Sheriff Johnson has been un-
ceasingly at work trying to apprehend
the men who SO nearly murdered old
Mr.. Bannister at his home near the
American River. and is convinced that
It was the work of some Of the brush
dwellers. He has therefore. detailed
Detective Max r. Fisher to direct
posse Of county residents. who have
volunteered their services. in driving
that undesirable element out of the
county.
In their efforts to rid the community
of these thieves and troublesome va
grants the officers will have the moral
support OF everyone. and should have
the active support of a sufficient num-
Der TO make a good job of it,