GREAT FIRE IN CANADA.

Grey River Argus, Volume IX, Issue 708, 2 August 1870, Page 4

GREAT FIRE IN CANADA.

15 PERSONS BURNT TO DEATH"" 430 FAMILIES BURNT OUT. [news of the world.] Montreal, May 27. The following :s the substance of a letter from Chicoutimi. May 25, respecting the great fire there last week :— We have had terrible fires in the Saguenay country, the losses by which are incalculable. Over one thousand families have lost everything, aud have nothing but the vault of heaven to cover them. Fifteen persons have fallen a prey to the flames. On Lake St. John 430 families have been burned out. The inhabitants who are not burnt oat have done a great deal for the sufferincr-neighbors, but a great deal more remains to be clone, for many will be wholly dependent on charity, even for' food and clothing. Other accounts received here state that the conflagration covered a space of 1500 square miles, including Riviere a lOurs, Chamouchnan, Roberval, Point aux Trembles, St. Jerome, D'lberville, Mission of Kirnigame, St. Dominique, de Moquiner, St. Anne, St. Fulgence, Chicontimi, Laterior, and St. Alphine. The total number of families destitute is 655. The fire lasted from 2to 7 p.m., on the 19th inßt. The heat was so intense that parties had to construct rafts and pass the whole time on Lake St. John. Many of the inhabitants are utterly destitute, and two gentlemen proceeded immediately to Kamouraska to purchase provisions to relieve their immediate wants. Six adults and two children are known to have perished, but many are missing. The Government intend sending a steamer with provisions to-day.