The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1923-06-01
FLAMES TEARING
THROUGH TIMBER
North State Situation Is
Decidedly Unfavorable
RAINS ARE NEEDED
Blazes Reported Raging In
Northern Wisconsin; DAM
age Is Heavy

ASSOCIATED Press Dispatchl
st. Paul, May 29-AII engage
nnents for today made by Gov
vernor J. A. o. Preus were can
ceiIed by attaches Of the exc
cutlye's office when II was learn
ed that the governor, upon mis-
return from AnnandaIe last
night, had, hurriedly left town,
leaving a brief note saying he
had zone north. Those in the
governors office this morning
were. not positive where he had
gone. However, in view Of the
serious situation existing in the
north woods, II was generally
believed he had made the fire
areas his objective.
Duluth, MINI, May 29.-Continu-
alton today OF the hot, dry weather,
insulting for subduing forest and
brush fires in Northwestern Min
nesota and Northern Wisconsin,
prompted foresters and township
fire wardens to prepare for further
spread Of the fires which are re-
ported to have DESTROYED numerous
summer cottages. and few set.
tiers homes and to have threatened
liable stands of timber.
The day opened with light easter
II winds reviving the flames which
subsidized somewhat during the
night ss..
several of the smaller fires have
been headed to virtual extinguish-
ment in these low places.
the fires are reported to be serl-
- AZ
already were behind schedule in
planting their crops.
A warm rain which, 1t is expect.
ed, would subdue the flames and
cause the vegetation to develop Is
the only thing that will bring ma
terial relief. foresters said.
~. Fires In Wisconsin
Superior. Wis, May 29.-While
small armies of volunteer fire fight
ers. strove desperately 10 save farm
houses and small towns from de-
were raging in Northern Wisconsin
and Minnesota early today.
Famed by a brisk south wind and
finding fresh fuel in dry underbrush
and timber, the flames were gaining
reports here indicated, and num-
Der Of summer homes on lakes in
Douglas and Bayfield, counties had
been burned, while hundreds Of
others were in danger.
No lives had been lost, according
to reports available early today. and
the Ares had not reached the settle
ments, but outlying farms were said
to be in tho paths Of the advancing
flames.
The fires had crept within FIVE
miles south OF Superior. Back firing
is being attempted in an effort TO
stop the flames.
Motorists have been warned to
keep away from all roads that lead
to the areas o fthe fire. All tele-
phone and telegraph communication
between Superior. Ashland and Fox
boro have been severed.
Serious fires were reported in the
vicinity of Bluegill. Bass and Fill
more lakes, Lake Nebagamon, Drul,
Iron River, Foxboro and Ghaffrey
settlement and sparks carried by the
wind were starting others. There
has been no rain for nearly week.
Situation Becoming Serious.
ST. Paul, May 29.-More than 500
men, including forest rangers, were
battling with forest and brush fires
in Northern Minnesota today with
rain. the only medium of completely
distinguishing the blazes, promised
for late today or tomorrow.
Reports to W. T. Cox, state fores-
Ter, were that the situation is be-
burning in. district north Of line
. extending westward from Duluth TO
ILeech Lake. Most Of the fires are
on cutover land.
In the iron range there are be-
tween fifteen and twenty fires burn
| ing from Fall lake and Vermillion
Lake TO Coleraine and Grand Rapids.
\ fhroafanin0 hlaya
Park Rapids and Itasca State Park,
are keeping one hundred men busy.
keIIIher Fire Stopped.
One bad fire in the Kabetogoma
Peninsula, between Kabetogoma lake
and Rainy Lake, caused concern to
forestry officials but that section Is
tsparsely settled.
A are at Kelliher was stopped lust
as Il reached the village limits. The
Bergville school house and several
million feet Of logs are reported to
have burned IN that section. Near
Black Duck Lake a dozen fires were
burning within fifty mile square
area.
Menacfng blazes in the Sand Lake
district have been brought under
control.
The state forester's office yester-
day issued orders prohibiting issu-
ance Of burning permits in the north
woods until there has been heavy
rain.
Warming To Tourists
A serious fire menace still exists
In the north woods according to w.
T. Cox, state forester, but all reports
receired. today indicated that the
flames were well under control and
there is no immediate danger Of
spreading unless high winds devel-
op. A drenching rain is necessary
before all the one hundred fires will
be under control. he said.
Mr.. Cox warned tourist, fishermen
and campers in the woods country
90 be specially careful Of fires, and
said II the situatfon grew worse, 1t
might become necessary for him to
order these people out Of the woods
until the danger is past
n=-+t ..s- 80. O..