Rogue River courier. (Grants Pass, Or.) 1886-1927, 1910-08-26
NEIGHBORHOOD SOUTHEAST OF
TOWN RAVAGED BY FLAMES
GRANTS PASS TO RESCUE
The Hamilton Residence DESTROYED
and Much Damage Is Done in
that Part of County.

On Thursday afternoon, a forest
fire which had been raging a couple
of miles south of town was driven
by west wind toward Fruitdale
and by Friday morning it became a
raging conflagration. The first
house encountered was that of J..
W. Heston, and it required almost
superhuman exertion to save the
residence. His barn, outhouses,
fences and everything that would
burn went up in smoke. From that
point it took a northeast course
and crossed the road into the Hamil-
ton timber. Onward it worked its
way until between three and four
o'clock it reached the Hamilton
residence, which in spite Of the best
efforts of Mr.. Hamilton and wife,
was destroyed by the flames. 1t
required hard work to save the barn,
which contained valuable farm i'm
plements and machinery. Many ap-
pie trees, loaded with fine fruit,
were destroyed, and 1t is estimated
that the loss was not less than $4,000
on which was an insurance of $1,000.
Word had been sent to the Courier
office that help was needed at a
number of points in Fruitdale. Citi-
zens of Grants Pass in autos and
wagons rushed up the Fruitdale
road, but were cut off by the flames
burning on either side of the high
way at the Hamilton woods. The
fire fighters at once turned back and
took the Murphy road, and at E. z.
Blanchard's swung around to Fruit
dale. The run was made in quick
time, but II was too late to help at
the Hamilton fire. The F. A. Glenn
ents' ranch was the scene of a wild
rush of wind and fire, and II was
with hard work that the house and
barn were saved Farther up the
road the residence of z. c. Under
wood was in great danger, also the
farm buildings. At the next place
above, the W S. Coutant residence
and barn were threatened. The lat
ter building was on fire several
times, but persistent effort extin-
guished the flames. Beyond was the
Bywater residence and the same fire
for time menaced this as we'll as
the outbuildings. Still farther south
the home Of Alonzo Jones was the
scene Of great anxiety, but was for
tunately spared from disaster.
About rs citizens of Grants Pass
rushed out to the fire line along the
Fruitdale road, and II can be said
that they were a gallant band and
did fine service. The ladies Of Fruit
dale, as is their custom on import
ant occasions, furnished an abund-
ant supply Of coffee, sandwiches and
other substantials to administer TO
the wants OF the inner man. Sat
urday morning Fruitdale felt freer.
but the danger was not over and
work was to be done before the reg
ular wind storm OF the afternoon
came on. They traced the lines Of
the fire and extinguished many fire
brands as they went along, and NOT
only Saturday but Sunday was de-
voted 10 protecting their homes and
loved ones
The loss In fences In Fruitdale
country and down ON the lower lands
to the westward amounted 10 MANY
hundreds OF dollars. but no estimate
can he made NJ this, or even Of tho
number Of miles Of the fence burn.
cd. All the residents Of Frultdalo
are earnest In their thanks 10 The
Grants Pass peonle who came 20
their assistance. and many LASTING
friendshins were made on that occa'
sion In the fire and smoke which
stretched ~ many miles over that
country. Old Badly, which is tho