Omaha daily bee., 1910-08-23

on the Occur d'Aene line farther west than
st. Regis, which has been deserted.
Intermittent communicated, which was
in effect with Wallace early this morning
was entirely cut off aud fears are enter
talned that the fires have again broken out
in that place. Saltese is still safe. but
is surrounded by walls 0t flames The
Northern Pacific officials'' special is still
at Saltese, but cannot be moved, as bridges
are burned out on either side. Telegraphic
and telephone communication with that
place is cut. st. Regis old town has been
abandoned by the women, children and
disabled, only force OF able-bodied fire
fighters being retained under Supervisor
Koch to make stand against the flames.
which are steadily creeping on the place
Since daylight the wind has risen and little
hope is felt OF saving the place. The breeze
has veered slightly and is moving toward
the city from the east and 1t is probable
the new town will fall first,
Three Towns Abandoned.
The towns Of Rivulet, Superior and Iron
Mountain were abandoned, this morning.
The Iron Mountain Tunnel company's min
ing property, located near Iron Mountain,
caught fire early today and was completely
destroyed. Some minor personal casualties
are reported. A relief party is to be started
out from Saltese over the Milwaukee rail-
way this morning for Borax. carrying
large searching party which will attempt to
find a company Of soldiers unaccounted for
since Saturday morning.
The forestry officials this morning report
the Camas county, east OF Potomac, as be-
ing the zone of big fire which is covering
both forests and ranehes.sf
A large force Of men was started out by
the Big Blackfoot Milling company last
night for Potomac and,this morning 100
soldiers more left this City for Camas
county.
Overando. father east, is surrounded by
flames which are only eighteen miles from
the town on each side. The village, how
ever. is said to be adequately protected
and in no danger.
In the Clinton district of the Missoula
forest ten men are unaccounted for. This
force was engaged in fighting fires at the
head of salartz gulch. "a relief expedition
was started opt of Clinton to seek for the
men.
Twenty-Five Fires In Valley.
In the Bitter Root valley from Woodside
10 Darby. distance OF twenty miles on
the west side of the Bitter Root river,
twenty-five fires broke out yesterday and
last night destroying a number of foothill
ranches. At stevensville the fire on Koot-
enay creek Is moving toward the railroad
property on the west side of the river.
but has assumed no ALARMING proportions.
At Woodside a large portion OF the
forest on Sweeney creek was destroyed
yesterday, and six men were badly in
lured. These men are now in an improvised
hospital at Woodside. A fire is moving
I liz.
Of Hamilton, from the southwest but is
Btill some distance removed from the town.
At Darby there Is another big fire reported
on Lick creek covering the entire summit
Vt the range,
Ranger Beatty took a large force of men
to Miller creek, about fourteen miles south
of Missoula- This fire has twenty-mile
front and is swinging into the east side
OF the Bitter Root valley. This force will
be used to save the towns and not to fight
fires on the forest reserves. the latter pol
icy having been abandoned where villages
are threatened.
The railroads can handle 1000 people with
the equipment now on the lines between
here and the stricken territory. Refugees
are still pouring into this city with tales
OF distress, and many children are reported
separated from their parents.
81. Regis In Great Danger.
report was received at IL o'clock today
advising that the wind was blowing a gale
directly from the fire zone to st. Regis.
The report declares that there Is little
chance for the old town now, as the flames
are circlinfg and will soon come in from at
least two sides. A marshy spot on one side
has thus far repealed the advance Of the
fire and temporarily saved the town.
At the time the report was received the
Blackfoot Lumber company had $50 men
fighting the flames.
A late report from Hamilton tells of a
big fire with a wide frontage, which Is
raging seven miles west OF the town and
men are being secured to fight the on-com.
ing torrent OF flames.
The Northen Pacific is making desper-
ate effort to push trains through and will
send passengers as far west as Plains
Further than this no trains can be
operated on account OF the bad condl.
ton of tho wood trestles and bridges on
the Cabinet cutoff A bridge 955 feet In
length is burned out at Tuscor and Others
have been rendered unsafe by the fire.
A big relief special bearing $50 st. Regis
residents started out OF Old st. Regis or
the Northen Pacific at 1870 o'clock today
and will pick up refugees along the way e
Missoula The Puget Sound railway is per.
forming similar service on its side OF tn,
river.
The report from Spokane TO the effec
that nine sisters and forty-two patients
from the Providence hospital at wallac,
en- route for Mssoula had been hemme,
in by forest fires and burned to death Il
untrue. The sisters and patients arriyet
IN this city on the first relief train an,
are being cared for here.
MORE TROOPS TO THE SCENE
Officials ne Washington Consult