Chinatown Fire: 0050.0147
CONFLAGRATION RAGES IN CRANBROOK’S
For a time it looked like the entire business section was doomed, the high wind carrying burning embers high in the air and starting a number of spot fires throughout the business district. Places ignited included the Cranbrook Auditorium, the Salvation Army, Leask’s Transfer office, Cranbrook Body Works and a number of other business places. Prompt action on the part of willing workers subdued all the spot fires with the exception of the Cranbrook Body Works building, the roof of which is gutted and considerable loss sustained to occupants by water.
Good Pressure
Fire Losses
Mah Wee, lot 22, block 36 – loss to building $400. Loss to contents $200.
Dennis Quong, lot 21, block 36 – loss to building $1500. Loss to contents $200.
Lee Wah Lim, lot 20, block 36 – loss to building $1500. Loss to stock $2000.
Lee Look, lot 19, block 36 – loss to building $2500. Loss to contents $800.
Minor losses not yet adjusted will total less than $100.
Charged With Setting Fire
Charles Chenier was arrested during the progress of the fire charged with starting the blaze. It is said he had an altercation with the man who rented the shack in which the blaze started and is charged with setting the fire. He came before Magistrate Leask this morning in the city police court and was remanded until Monday on request of the provincial police, who have summoned a number of witnesses for the hearing.
Warning To Car Drivers
“11a. Every person driving or operating a motor-vehicle on any highway, upon the approach of a motor-vehicle driven or operated by the fire department of a municipality in responding to an alarm of fire, or by a police officer or constable in the discharge of his duty giving repeated and audible signals or warnings by bell or siren horn, shall immediately drive his motor-vehicle to a position as near as possible and parallel to the right-hand curb or edge of the highway, and shall stop his motor-vehicle and keep the same at a standstill until otherwise directed by a police officer or constable or until the approaching motor-vehicle has passed.
NOTES
City Superintendent Philpot, while assisting running hose, suffered a painful injury, having two finger nails of his left hand torn off. Mr. Philpot , Walter Soden and other city employees rendered valuable assistance.
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James Kerrigan and Co.’s building was well guarded by firemen and volunteer help. In another column of this paper Mr. Kerrigan expresses his appreciation.
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Frank Dezall and George Moir did good work in saving the
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Chief Adams placed two firemen on guard throughout the night, with sufficient hose to drown out any flare-ups.
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A flock of chickens, geese and ducks, cooped up in the rear of the Lee Look building, survived the dense smoke clouds of two hours duration and were rescued after the fire was brought under control.
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Residents in the path of the flames prepared everything in readiness to move. At 5 0’clock, when the fire reached its most critical stage, upwards of thirty spot fires were extinguished.
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George Reece, ex-fire chief, was lined up with the army of volunteer helpers.
