Great Fire in America

Feilding Star, Volume XIV, Issue 57, 1 November 1892, Page 2

Great Fire in America

(PER press ASSOCIATION. I New Yobk, October 30. A tremendous fire has occurred at Milwaukee, the most populous town of Wisconsin, situated on the west shore of Lake Michigan. Six hundred houses, the gasworks, and many business blocks were destroyed. The damage is estimated at 20,000,000 dollars. The fireman used dynamite to destroy, the buildings with a view to checking the conflagration. The fire originated in a liquor store, and as a hurricane was blowing at the time it spread with great rapidity. Chicago and other cities sent firemen and engines to cope with the flames. The area devastated is two* thirds of a mile by three-quarters of a mile. Two firemen lost their lives. Accommodation is being found in churches and schools for those burnt out. Eight thousand people have been rendered homeless by the fire at Milwaukee. England Insurance Companies are heavy losers. The damage ascertained amounts to six million dollars.

LATER PARTICULARS.

New York, October 30, The gale blowing at Milwaukee during the fire carried the burning timber a considerable distance. The firemen were powerless to; subdue the flames. A panic resulted, and tbe people fled and abandoned their possessions. Merchants are in a terrible plight. - The fire is said to have originated through an explosion m some oil stores. Fiye deaths are reported. The extent of the Milwauckee fire was largely due to a delay in getting the engines to work.