The Forrest City times., 1910-12-09
EARLY MORNING BLAZE
Fire Yesterday Morning Destroys Residence Of MT. George
 W. Jones.

Fire yesterday morning completely destroyed the handsome residence of NIT. George ". Jones in the southern part of the city together with nearly all of its contents. outside of the piano and few small articles, nothing being saved. The fire was discovered shortly before , o'clock, and by the time the alarm was finally turned in the flames had gained great headway and the house was practically doomed The origin of the fire is mystery.
 The house was comparatively new one, having been built only two or three years ago at cost of s2500 or 5000. II was insured with Taylor, Knight X Company for s2000. The furniture was also covered by insur- ance. MT Jones has not yet been able to place an accurate estimate on the loss and damage, but hopes to have everything adjusted within the next few days
 The fire had gained such headway by the time the tremen reached the scene that they saw there was no chance to save the Jones house and turned their attention to adjoining houses, and only by the hardest work of the limited number of active fire fighters on hand, was q spread of the flames prevented.
 In thlS connection We want 10 call the attention of our city fathers and the public generally 10 lamentable state of affairs existing in our fire de partment. For some time past there has been noticeable lack of fire fighters. iesterday morning, for in- stance, only two members were at the hose house. Chief Mcdaniel and Charlie Mcdaniel. and these two were compelled 10 drag the heavy reel to the scene Of the fire. And ar irving there. not more than two or three more Of the members joined them in active work True, there were any number Of advisers, who were content to stand afar off and tell how il ought 10 be done. but who did not feel equal to running chance of getting wet or soiling their clothes. This lack of interest in the lire de. partment and inclination to criticise and disinclination to actively par ticipate in the activities of fire fight ing recently, is telling on Chief Nc. Daniel, and k greatly discouraging him. NIT. Me has been. and is hard working conscientious chef. He is, however, but human and with only two or three men at his command his usefulness is lessened in marked de- gree. He is anxious and willing to do his part, as he sees it, fand that part is a good deal more than most men in his position would call their part. ! but feels that if there is not a better spirit manifested toward the fire de- partment, and if he is not given some better equipment, he will be forced to resign.
 A city the size of Forrest City with it's constantly extending residence sections, needs more up-to-date and a quicker method of conveying fire fighting apparatus to the scene of the blaze than the antediluvian methods now in use. Five hundred feet of hose on heavy reel is big load for more men than are usually on hand to help haul 1t. It might cost a few dollars more to procure a horse to haul the hose wagon and to have man on hand to see that it was promptly hitched up and ready when an alarm was turned in, but it's cost would be saved probably at one fire. A fire department is a good deal like the Texans gun-it may not be need ed often, but when it is needed, it's needed quick and needed bad.