GO MILES OF FIRE. TORONTO, October 9.

Hokitika Guardian, 9 December 1922, Page 4

GO MILES OF FIRE. TORONTO, October 9.

Five thousand people have been- rendered homeless by forest fires which during yesterday afternoon and night swept an area sixty miles long in Northern Ontario. The towns of Haileybtirv, North Cobalt, and Charlton, and many smaller settlements have been totally destroyed. Englehart and Now Liskeard are partly destroyed. The number of the dead is estimated at HO and is probably much higher. All telegraphic communication north of Cobalt is cut off. The loss in property must run into millions. Bush fires owing to a month of, drought had been smouldering in various localities for days. Yesterday high wind developed and fires seemed to break out spontaneously at widely separated points. The lire reached Haileyburv as the schools wore closing and mothers are still searching for children who were caught by the flames. Ashes are still falling thickly in localities beyond the fire-swept areas. Last night the sky was crimson with the reflected flames and the hours were sleepless and anxious for the whol country-side. Women and children are leaving North Cobalt on refuge trains going south. Most of the population of Haileybnry rendered homeless by the fire were forced north, beenus their southern communications had been cut off. There is no prospect of rain, but the wind is falling and it is hoped that the worst is over.