The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1904-09-19
EXT RA.
u O'CLOCK.
HALIFAX
FIRE LOSS
$2,O0O,000

Halifax. N. s. Sept. l9.-The fire which
started on the water front here at mid
night and which was subdued. broke out
again early today and caused heavy
damage TO surrounding property.
The total loss is estimated at 100000
with Insurance OF about three-quarters OF
that amount
The fire started between Black Brothers
store and the Forhans company's sail loft
on Pickford and Blacks wharf. The
flames spread 10 Black Brothers ware
house. situated on the wharf
Black Brothers had large quantities. OF
pitch, tar and ships outfit In the ware
house and for a time the fremen were
unable 10 make much headway There
work was made hazardous by the pres
ence of a quantity OF powder and dyna-
mite upon Black Brothers wharf but
these explosives were thrown overheard
Later the firemen were obliged 10 retreat
because OF series OF explosions In
Black Brothers warehouse caused by
powder and chemicals. All the apparatus
In the city was summoned to the scene
ana the flremen were assisted by men
from the barracks.
In two hours the flames were thought
TO be under control. The loss was esti-
mated at $4,000. divided between Pick
ford g. Black and Black Brothers. Sew
eral hours later the fire broke out In
Black Brothers large brick building.
flames having worked their way through
an elevator we'll unknown TO the firemen.
From Black Brothers brick block the fire
extended TO a large warehouse owned BY
Pickford and Black and 10 their office
building. These two structures were OF
stone and had front on Water street,
about a quarter OF n mile north OF the
scene OF Thursdays fire which destroyed
several hundred thousand dollars worth
OF property.
Near the stone buildings were situated
number OF wooden shops and stores.
Although the fire burned until late In the
forenoon the fire department was able TO
conflne the damage TO the area described
by the two wharves and the buildings
named.
The heaviest loss falls upon Pickford
and Black, agents Of a number OF steam
ship lines and ship chambers. who car
ried large amount of supplies and other
goods and Black Brothers.
Among other concerns which lost their
places OF business are Bryant and Me-
Donald, wholesale tea dealers; Thomas
Forhan & Co. sail makers. and several
smaller concerns.
c. c. Cook and Companys stock. In a
building adjoining Black Brothers, was
deluged with water and III. II. Fuller and
company, hardware dealers. sustained
considerable damage from smoke and
water. IL Ia understood that the destroy
cd property Will be restored. The cause or
the fire IL unknown.
There is a theory that the fire may
have been OF incendiary origin. although
no evidence has been found as yet TO sub
stantiate the idea. There had been no fire
in the buildings on the wharf for "a hours
previous to the outbreak A vast quantity
OF goods was moved out OF several ware
houses and stores I'm the vicinity OF the
fire and these were guarded by armed
marines.
The stone and brick buildings owned by
Pickford and Black and Black Brothers
were completely gutted.
The fire was burning this afternoon but
Is being gradually drowned out.
The authorities are making an investi-
cation into the origin or the blaze