Tombstone epitaph., 1918-01-13
FIRES DESTROY TOMBSTONE RESIDENCES

two residences were almost totally DESTROYED and half
dozen others blazes started from sparks which were
luckily extinguished before much damage resulted
About o'clock this morning. the fire alarm was
sounded when heavy black smoke and flames
be emerging from the residence owned by John w.
Walker Second and Allen Streets. As soon as the
alarm sounded citizens responded hul1ying to the
scene from all parts of the city, and all available hose
brought into play with the result that soon
there three streams of water playing the blaze.
which by this time had gained considerable Roadway.
Aided by the heavy noltherly wind the flames had
their way into the building and while two OF the streams
brought into action to extngush the blaze the third
kept busy successful effort the spread
OF the flames to the adjoining building, owned by Mr.
Walker and the residence Of j. F. Ross Good work was
done here. although the flames had gained big start
the fighters. The building which was insured was al
most total loss.
VIM. Boyd. of the Boyd Flach Drug store, who
had just moved into the residence asleep when the,
conaglation broke out. and was unaware that his home
attire until awakened by hid Lee one Of the trust
les of the jail. who of the first on the scene.
When Lee entered the occupied by Boyd. it was
filed with smoke. and the flames had already eaten their
way into that part of the house. and the bed attire.
Mr.. Boyd asleep doubt beginning to be ovcrcon"
by the smok and ia daZcd condition when brought
by Lee in his bed attire He was taken to nearby
house and there he quickly recovered while all he saved
of his persOne effects what Lee grabbed while
they leaving the room consisting Of one suit of
clothes.
The origin of the fire has definitely bcccn
tain although it is pretty well settled that it from
hot ashes being thrown against the garage the of
the house From the time it discovered it took only
several minutes before the whole building was III flaneS
and only good pressure accounts for the good work
accomplished by the willing volunteer tigc fighters
But ID sooner had the excitement of the Walker fire
subsidized than another call was sent out when flames were
be breaking out in the residence of D. ii. McPhcr
son about block the Walker residence. The
Ter III ;i: lines Gnicklv Turned off and the fighters
carried the hose to the main Frnrn Street and
two streams in action there. Here almost every
thing removable carried to nearby houses and
saved from the fire and water with the exception of
few personal effects The damage resulting here will
,Irnt to nearly thousand dollars done to the blldlg
excluding Loss by water. while the Walker house sui
fered loss of about thousand dollars, and which
insurance was carried
During both fires many deeds of valor and quick
work were recorded especially the work Of Sheriff Harry
Wheeler. Soldier Davis, and many Others too numerous
10 mention. Everyone was soaked to the SKIN. which
accompanied by the cold wind, made il hard work.
After the Mcpherson blaze cxtinguishcd, 1t is
reported that half dozen other blaZcs broke out i'll 9th
residences due to sparks from the burning building
The residence Of W. F. Kuchenbecker was the scene OF
while that of Reece Cornelius another put out in the
manner.
IT is expected the Mcpherson fire resulted from
park although those first the report the origin
have been from defective fue where the fire first
broke out. This il not definitely known.
Considering the strong wind and rapidty the flames
s;yread the work of the volunteer fire fighters excel
lent although lack Of organization woefuily evident
Everyone tried to do his best but excitement and lack Ut
directing head lead to number of bnders which can
be LAID TO nothing more IMAM WHAT the frosectof mas
been advocating for the past three yeaIsorganized
companies with chief. Another suggestion that
offered by prominent business today is that the
city should have built at least twenty ladders to be dis
tribued about the city available for fire This mat
ter will I've taken up with the Commercial Club and with
the city officials Another suggestion is that the city
should purchase small auto truck which should be
attached Of the reels Of hose to be kept at the Cen
trail Station at the City Hail. This would be quick
mode of getting the ground and would not cost much
small chemical tank has also been suggested along with
the truck All these matters will be brought at
Not in an IL told you SO" attitude, bnt upholding
tue contentious of the Prospector all along it only takes
such an example happened today to bring before the
TombstOn public the inadequate fire fighting system.
The equipment is about complete but system is lacking
Should another blaze have broken out today is certain
that nothing could be done with the present system and
if the wind had been blowing from the West instead of