Elko independent. [volume] (Elko, Nev.) 1915-current, 1916-07-13
SPECTACULAR FIRE
CAUSES BIG LOSS;
Twenty HOMELESS
FIELDS AND DAY RESIDENCES
AND CONTENTS DESTROYED;
CITIZENS EXTEND HELP TO
THE DESTITUTE RoARDERs.

Fire starting from unknown origin
at 9 o'clock last night in the residence
of Madam Gene Fields. on River
street. between Third and Fourth
streets, quickly set fire to the adjoin
ing residence OF Madam Ollie Day and
both IouEes and thcir contents were
totally destroyed. Madam Fields loss
building and contents. 's arout $S0.95L,
and that OF Madam Day is about the
same amount. About twenty women
were boarding in the two places and
the fire left them destitute, without a
change OF clothing. Practically moth
ing was saved from Madam Fields
house, but much OF the furniture and
personal property from Madam Days
were saved by volunteer firemen.
Madam Fields insurance was about
$40, 200. and the insurance on the other
place was inadequate - cover the loss,
It is said.
The gentle southeast wind. blowing
the flames and embers away from the
city. doubtless prevented the spread.
ing OF the fire to the business and
choice residential district.
Woman Braves Death
to Save Pet Dog.
One of the women boarding at
Madam Fields place was severely but
not seriously burned in saving her pet
dog. She thought Of the animal after
she had reached safety and without
hesitation dashed back into the house
through flames and smoke and pres.
entity emerged with the pet cuddled in
her arms. She was half-hysterical
with Joy over the rescue, and all OBJ
servers admired her self.sacrificing
courage.
Madam Fields lost jewelry valued al
about $1,000 and musical instruments
These included a $1,000 player piano.
Both houses were luxuriously fur
nished, with expensive furniture,
heavy Brussels carpets, Administer
rugs, costly draperies, ornaments and
paintings. Neither of the women had
spared money or effort in making
their houses the most comfortable al
attractive in the State, and second ia
none in the West.
The dwellings were OF frame but
solid construction, with maple floors
mahogany finishings and all modern
conveniences.
The women Of each household were
gathered In the parlors when the
alarm was given. In a few moment
before they could make an effort tC
save anything. the flames burs
through the roof of the Fields resi-
dence and quickly set fire to the Day
house adjoining. The women, in dis
habille. fled pellmell to the lawns
some OF them half.faintlng from ex
citcment and terror.
Men Rush to Rescue
and DO Excellent Work.
Men Of the neighborhood and others
rushing to the scene, instantly begaI
trying to save the furniture and per
sonal property Of the Day residence
Nearly everything of value was re
moved. including Madam Days jewel
ry. worth several thousand dollars. Il
was impossible to save anything from
the Fields house. because the flamet
cut off ingress from every side.
Madam Days costly piano wa
burned just outside Of door. afte
II was taken that far by two or thre,
volunteer firemen. The flames iron
the roof suddenly swept from suction
down under the porch and the hea
was so intense the men had to drol
the piano and flee.
The volunteer firemen did as well a
facilities would allow, and better, II 4
said, than could reasonably be expect
cd In the circumstances. The yerd
Lumber Company sent chemlca
tank to the scene az an aid In fightin
the fire.
Two or three men were slight,