New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1911-05-27
THEIR RUSH OVERPOWERING
Five Alarms Bring Ali the Fire
Fighting Apparatus With.
in Reach Of the
Island
INCUBATOR BABIES PERISH
Wild Animals Die in Their Cages
Water Played on Luna Park and
Surf Avenue Buildings in Ef-
fort TO Save Them.

Dresmland. the largest Of the aTnuse-
ment parks at Coney Island. was swept
b, fire that started about 2:lo O'clock
this morning and steadily defed the ef-
forts Of the entire Coney Island nre-
fighting force and many companies tnat
were sent out from Brooklyn.
The flames had their origin near the
power house. and their spread vas 80
rapid under the impetus Of orisk
breeze that swept in from the ocean
that in fifteen or twenty minutes il be-
came apparent the entire place was
doomed.
The great tower. burning at the same
time that other buildings in the group
were enveloped in the flames. appeared
like pillar Of Are. and must have been
visible 10 ships far out at sea as II vas
10 startled spectators for miles on Long
Island
Six incubator babies on exhibition in
the park were suffocated in their httle
enclosures. Three were rescued from
the flames. but were dead when medical
helm arrived. while the other three we're
burned in the building which vas used
10 house them.
So far as could be learned up 70 lat.
hour this morning. no fatalities Or even
serious injury occurred among the en-
ploves Of the park, the firemen or spec
tators. Of which latter there was soon
surprising number for that hour ot
the night
The flames we're first seen a the lower
end Of the park next to the ocean. ard
even then the blaze was said TO be
spreading in an amazing manner. tanned
By stiff sea breeze.
Four alarms we're turned in within
few minutes. and ar els the fire vas
rolling unchecked toward Surf avenue.
shortly aftervard fifth alarm las
turned in for the fire.
Hundreds OF belated pleasure seekers
still thronged the resorts when the
flames started. and after fleeing 20 safety
watched the iremen night the flames
Dozens Of volunteers aided IN the WORK
Of salvage Five alarms emptied the
erehouses Of every IRE lighting ap-
paratus and brought ambulances and
the reserves 70 the scene on the run.
The waters of the ocean gave back
ruddv glare. For miles along the coast
the flames we're seen blazing like bea-
con.
AZ Ton1pkinsville. six miles aTav, ons
could see 70 read fine print. and inhao'
itan+s OF the southern coast Of Long
Island for twentv miles saw the ed
light glowing
Lima Park and other resorts YER,
ernptied as II ~ magic Owners -
hotels. restaurants and attractions near
the park franticallv removed their 90
lonzings 20 the sidewalk
Flames Attack Tower
A. 80 O'Clock the flames we're rs--
ing up the tall sides Of the great to7's-.
more than two hundred feet from ths
snot where the fire had started. and
even then II looked as II the entire park
was doomed
Every policeman or reserve duty vss
rushed ~ the scene 4 Gordon OF blue
coats was drawn on each side Of m.
mark FLYING embers foated through
the skv over the entire island. and y
looked as II other fires might be kindled
tv the sparks which rainsd thictlv
down
The fire started on the west side -
the park The flames seemed 70 have
had their inception in tho vicinity ~
the electric power house. and the wind.
which was blowing At high rate. soon
caused the rying embers TO catch on
the roofs Of buildings on the east side.
The great Dreamland tower. In ths q.
centre OF the park grounds. caught fire.
and within a few minutes was great
pillar Of fame
Some OF the buildings which were re-
ported totally destroyed AZ a late hour
this morning were l.. A. Thompsons
scenic railway the power house the tow
or the freak exhibit. the infant incu-
bators and a number Of other minor con-
ccssions.
incubator Babes Perish.
The drst alarm was turned IN b.
James Lillis. a vatchman. who sa~
flames shooting from the power house
shed 4 second then A third and fourth.
alarm was turned in bringing Chist
Ially. OF BROOKLYN. and Deputy oKeets.
who assumed active charge Captain
Robinson. 81 the Coney Island police sta
ton, and $50 patrolmen from all sur