River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1908-08-06
FERN|E IS WIPED
OUT BY FLAMES
OTHER TOWNS IN BRITISH col.
UMBIA REPORTED GONE.
MANY LIVES NAY BE LOST
Fire Raging for Miles Through the
Country-Thousands Homeless
and Destitute - Relief
Trains Are Sent.

Fernie, B. c., Aug. 3.-Five thou
sand people were rendered homeless
and property valued at $2,500,000 de-
stroyed by bush fire which got beyond
control about four o'clock Saturday
afternoon. Seventeen dwellings are
all that remain standing in this city.
The fire is still raging in all direc-
lions from Fernie, and in spite of the
work of 200 men who are fighting the
flames they continue to spread.
The number of injured is believed
to run over 100. Five families resid-
ing back from the town are completely
surrounded by the fire and no hope is
expressed for their rescue. 1t is re-
ported that the Great Northern bridge
at Hosmer, B. c., with $50 cars of coal
and coke, is burning. The Elk lumber
yard and mill have been totally de-
stroyed. Relief trains have been sent
from Cranbrook and adjoining towns.
Nelson has been telegraphed for as
sistance. The latest reports say the
fire is spreading to Coal Creek. a
town of 1,400 inhabitants.
Whole Countryside Is AbIaze.
Winnipeg, Man, Aug. Blush fires
which invaded the city of Fernie, B.
c., yesterday almost completely de-
stroyed the place. The whole country
is seething fire on the Crows Nest
line of the Canadian Pacific railroad.
Hosmer, a Canadian Pacific smelter
town, has been wiped out. Thousands
are fleeing from Michel to the open
country. Several lives have been lost.
Hurrying Aid to Fernie.
At Fernie every building except the
coal companys Offices and few
shacks are destroyed. Fully 5000 peo-
pie are homeless. Cranbrook has been
wired to forward all available provi-
sions and relief train is now travel
ing with aid.
Bush fires are raging from Gran
brook to the Crows Nest. The wind is
men are fighting the fire, and west of
Cranbrook it is under control. Tele-
graphic communication with Fernie,
Hosmer and Michel is cut.
Four men lost their lives trying to
save the huge Great Northern bridge
Is miles west of Michel, but it was
destroyed. Two men from Sparwood
were taken to the Michel hospital 1t
is feared Michel also is doomed, as the
fire is sweeping eastward down the
Crows Nest, and unless the wind
shifts the whole Crows Nest country
will be laid fiat.
Loss of Life May Be Great.
Pete Campbell, who reached Michel,
says the whole country between Gran
brook and Michel is a seething hell.
The body of Pete Miller was found
on the C. P. r. tracks near Michel.
Hosmer Elko, Sparwood, Olson and
Cokato are reported to be destroyed
by the fire. 1t is feared the loss of life
will be the greatest on the continent
since the San Francisco disaster. The
Canadian Pacific railway is rushing re-
lief trains with doctors, nurses, food
and clothing to the destitute.
A bulletin from Michel says This
town is doomed unless the wind
changes. Canadian Pacific railway
making up special trains to carry in
habitants to safety"
w. w. futile, mayor of Fernie, has
wired Mayor Ashdown of Winnipeg for
relief, saying there are 5000 homeless.
Premier Laurier Notified.
Ottawa, Ont, Aug. Sir Wilfrid
Laurier received the following tele-
gram Sunday evening from Gran
brook, B. c.:
Disastrous fire Kootenay Valley.
Fernie, Hosmer, Crows Nest and
other places almost completely burned
Not less than 5000 people homeless.
Canadian Pacific railway carrying
them to Elko and Cranbrook. Every
effort is being made locally, but these
people are utterly without food or
shelter. Fire covers 20 miles. Seven
ty lives lost. Immediate relief re-
CURED. Telegraph instructions at once.
Thomas Roberts, Liberal association.
J. H. King, M. P"
The premier consulted his col
leagues the first thing Monday morn
ing to see what action could be taken
by the federal government.