Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1911-07-12
TOWNS DESTROYED
BY FOREST FIRES.
Hundreds Of People Drown and Many
are Suffocated--- Flames Rise One
Hundred Feet.

East Tawas. Mich, July 12.-The
towns OF Ausabe and Oscodo, Mich,
lying directly across from each other OH
the Ausable river in Northeastern
Michigan were wiped off the map AMI
probably hundreds were killed last
night by one Of the worst forest fires
that have ever visited Michigan.
Not business place is standing i'll
Oscoda today. The fire was famed hy
fierce gale and within few hours
hat-destroyed the little town. Sparks
and burning branches swept Ausable
where the lire ragged all night.
The fire swept over the doomed cities
with such rapldity that all the inhabi-
tants could do was to flee for their
lives, leaving bchird all their belong
ings. The fierce rush Of flames drove
hundreds into Lake Huron and while
it is impossible to ascertain whether
any lives were lost, it is feared that
many have perished. According to
the stories Of the refugees who arrived
here this morning, when the train left
Oscoda, the flames were leaping 100
feet high ant roaring like u furnace.
The heat Was so intense that those i'll
the coaches had to close the doors and
windows. Bodies arc lying III the
streets Of AusabIe ana the churches
and halls are packed With those who
we're ovei taken by the flames. Many
who sought refuge from the fire were
suffocatcd with the dense smoke
Babies carried 10 the water in trunks
also were either drowned or smothered
TO death.
From Alpena, and Boyne City,
reports Of fierce fires were received to-
day. Al Boyne City, the fires are re-
ported 10 have surrounded several
logging camps and 10 have becmed III
the Iopgers with 4 solid wall Of flame.
Al both Alpena and Boyne City, heavy
clouds CT smoke can be seen on all
sides.
North Bay, Ont., IuIy 12.-Thrcc
towns have been Niped off The map,
seven prospectors are known to be
dead, MANY others are missing and
hundreds Of refugees are facing siarra.
ton as the result OF the forest fires now
sweeping through the Porcupine region.
With The woods like tindci, and the
names famed by winds from the south,
the fire is spreading with fearful rapid
ity and hundreds OF men, women and
children have hcen compelled to wade
into lakes, rivers and small streams to
seek refuge from the intense heat.
CoChranc, town Of 1000 inhabl-
tanis, South Porcupine aEt louisville
are charred rains today. Golden City
has been surrounded by flames for
hours aud is still in danger, although
only the suburbs have been bnrncd.
Half of Ii dale has been wiped out,
the fire being controlled only by blow
ing up dozen houses in the middle of
the town.
The flames swept down on South
Porcupine and Pottsville almost with
out warning, The alarm came just
in time for the people to rush for the
lake, but they weR forced to abandon
Ill Oh lItlI UelouSiISS.
CIVIL SERVICE EXAMINATIONS.
Tke following dates OF civil service
examinations are announced to be held |
in Alexandria.
Laboratory Assistant, Bureau of
Standards July 49,
Engineer and plumber, Indian ser
vice, July 10.
Mechanical Craftsman, July 1890.
Coppcrplate Map Engraver, July %,
Mcdico Chemical Analyst. July -.
Food Techologist July %.
Chemist August l.
Aid, Coast and Geodelc Survey.
August 9.
Assistant engineer in Forest Products
August 3.