Los Angeles herald., 1910-02-20
FLAMES DESTROY
THREE BUILDINGS
LOSS DUE TO AN INADEQUATE
WATER SUPPLY
Wiltshire District conflagration Re-
suits in Property Loss That
Is Estimated at
$4,000

While three of the most select resi-
dences in the Wiltshire district, Ridge
way park, between Third and Fourth
streets, on Wilton place, were razed
to the ground last night, f1remen from
Hollywood and Los Angeles We're
obliged to stand idly by and watch the
confiagration which destroyed property
estimated at $4,000.
No adequate water system and the
entire absence of fire plugs told the
story of the destruction of three elegant
houses and the partial destruction OF
another. Only the heroic efforts of a
bucket brigade saved. the fourth resi-
dence from total destruction. I
The three houses which were totally
destroyed by fire had just been COM
pleted and were unoccupied.
The houses destroyed belonged to II
M. Churchill, ]. B. Johnson, a plumber
employed in the Los Angeles city en-
gineering department; C. B. Jordan
Hotel Leighton, a retired banker, and
the one partially damaged was occu-
pied by Mrs. e. Stellman, wealthy
widow.
The origin Of the fire is unknown,
but is believed to have been caused by
spontaneous combustion of paints and
chemicals. although hints of incen-
diarism were made.
The fire, which swept out what was
contemplated to be one of the most
exclusive districts in Wiltshire Heights,
started in the house owned by H. NJ.
Churchill The fire was discovered
shortly after 10 o'clock last night by
E j. Harper city forester, who occu-
pies the house opposite the place that
was to be occupied by Churchill
Mr. Harper was seated in his study
when he noticed the ruddy glare
against the sky, and on investigation
saw the rear of the Churchill house In
flames.
Call Sent for Aid
Mr.. Harper telephoned to fire head
quarters for assistance, but before any
fire apparatus responded the Churchill
place was in ashes and the next house
enveloped in flames
The Los Angeles chemical and the
Hollywood chemical engines We're used
to prevent a spread of the flames, but
without avail. When it was learned
that no fire plugs were accessible gar
den hose was brought into play, but
with little effect.
The residence that was just pur-
chased and soon to be occupied by c.
B. Gorton, next fell prey to the flames
and a bucket brigade was organized In
a desperate attempt next to save the
residence of Mrs. Stellman.
The Stellman home was the only one
of the four which was furnished, and
willing hands removed the furniture
to a distant field, out of reach of the
sparks.
Great heroism was shown by the vol
unteer fire department, and the mem
bers took turns in relieving each other
and in preventing the destruction OF
the Stellman home.
Several times the caves of the root
caught fire, but were promptly extin-
guished, the men on the roof working
with garden hose, while the bucket bri-
gade splashed water against the sides
of the building.
B. T. Windsor of Windsor's fire pa
troll, was one of the first on the scene
and sustained a severe cut on the lef
wrist while breaking through a win
dow of the Gorton house, carrying {
garden hose.
Mrs. Stellman was away at the time
of the fire and did not know of her loss
until after midnight.
The fire was spectacular and attract
ed hundreds OF automobilists.
The scattering of burning ember'
kept occupants of adjoining buildings
in constant terror.