New Britain herald., 1929-09-17
Large Field Not Hit
Weary Men Rattle Blaze

Portland, Ore, Sept. 17.--tP}-An army of weary, sleepless men were stationed along far flung fronts in the foothills of the Cascades today watching the progress of a forest fire that in it's cratic progress since Sunday had blackened 15,00O tim bered acres, destroyed six houses, a hotel, a school, logging camp, two temporf " forestry camps, trapped 200 fighters and sent one workman to a hospital violently insane.
 The fire swept down from the Mount Hood National Forest Sunday night and early yesterday sttt southeast wind sent it roaring down the Clackamas river valley toward t.stacada. Ore. a town Of 2,ooo population, and before it's advance could be checked. it had licked 16 mile pathway through the forest to within five miles of the city limits
 200 Fighting Blaze
 Somewhere to the east of the ire line in what apparently had been raging inferno Sunday night when strong wind whipped it into fury, the 200 fire fighters, headed by T. H. Sherrard. supervisor of the Mount Hood National forest, were either fighting new blazes or beating their way back to civilization. Forest trallS were blocked by fallen, smouldcring trees. Roads which penetrated this district were strcwn with ashes an inch deep in places and by great trees which went down under the fury of the flames.
 Special couriers, sent out from the Pacific northwest district fire office here secured the territory in search of the party. Officials said they believed the men were saf9, that all were experienced forest men. although they indicated some uneasiness by repeated inquiries for them.
 Terrific heat from the wind fan ned flames which threatened Esta- cada yesterday sent Roy Van, Of Estacada, a fire fighter, 10 hospi- tai here raving in what physicians said was a fit of temporary insan- ity.
 Logging Camp Destroyed
 In a space of one hour the log ging camp of the La Dee Logging company burned leaving 35 men. women and children stranded. By twos and threes they fought their way through tangled underbrush to the safety of Estacada.
 Two temporary forestry camps, established as bases for fire fight CTS, were consumed. Dozens of axes hand pumps and buckets melted. The same blaze destroyed the s5O,0oo log La Barre hotel, one time prominent Cascade summer re- sort
 Although Esta cada residents feared the town might be wr"i out, only a few left the city with their belongings for Portland and other northern sections. However, in the rural districts. settlers hur. riedly packed their hou"ehold ef- fects into trucks or set them in yards in anticipation of fleeing be- fore the flames. Some abandoned their homes and went to Estacadd. Others remained 10 fight the flames only to see their homes reduced 10 ashes.
 Children perched themselves atop their homes with water buckets 10 watch advancing flames or recover ed their school books from desks hurricdly removed from the burn ing school building. Livestock was herded into corals preparatory to I swift run to places Of safety.
 Red Cross on Job
 Portland Red Cross officials last night were in Estacada surveying the damage and rounding up set tiers made homeless.
 Officials said that if wind did not come up. the situation probably would be controlled before night fall.