克拉克斯维尔燃烧的五座建筑物

克拉克斯维尔燃烧的五座建筑物

One of the most destructive fires in Clarksville, Tenn., occurred recently destroying five of the principal business blocks on the north side of Franklin street, in the heart of the business section and damaging a number of adjoining buildings. The buildings destroyed were the Elder Opera House, in the basement of which the fire originated at 6.15 p. m.; the Elder building, Coca Cola Bottling Company building, H. T. Grizzard building and the Lillian moving picture theatre. The estimated total loss is $100,000. The cause of the fire is unknown. When the fire department, in command of Chief G. Charlton Smith, arrived, the fire filled the basement and great volumes of dense smoke were pouring from the building. A strong northwest wind assisted the flames which quickly spread throughout the building. Nine heavy cables melted and fell on two lines of hose and threw a telegraph pole down on the motorpumping engine putting it out of service for a few minutes at the commencement of the fire, which was a handicap at a critical period. The fire in a few minutes had enveloped the entire building, which was constructed of stone, brick and wood 30 years ago and was two stories high. It was soon igniting adjoining buildings when Nashville and Hopkinsville were telephoned to for assistance. Hopkinsville has no engine or equipment such as was needed, but Chief A. A. Rozetta, of Nashville, with an engine and 8 men, by railroad, made the 56-mile run in 1 1/2 hours, arriving at 11.04 oclock, but as the fire was then under control the engine was not unloaded. They returned home at 2.45 a. m. Anold Clarksville engine in reserve was called into service and did excellent work. The strong wind drove the fire to adjoining buildings and only by excellent work and good judgment was a sweeping conflagration probably prevented and the business section of the city saved. A half dozen or more adjoining business buildings, some of them of wood construction, were saved but badly damaged. Chief Rozetta, of Nashville, on his return home, in a newspaper interview in part, said of it: “It was a disagreeable night. Telephone poles fell across the streets and everywhere cables were down. The destruction was complete in the fire zone. It was a miracle no one was hurt. With falling poles and live wires down the good fortune of the citizens in escaping injury was remarkable. The firemen of Clarksville deserve great credit. They fought nobly and their efforts, combined with the timely aid of the citizens, saved the town from total destruction. We made the trip in good time. Clarksville was perfectly justifiable in calling help from Nashville. My only regret is that we didn’t get there in time to do them some material good.” The aerial truck was damaged by a telegraph pole falling on it. Sheet iron covered doors and window shutters saved one large building. Franklin street at one time was like a roaring furnace and firemen were constantly in danger from falling wires and poles. The press and public give the department much credit for its efficient work. The gale carried sparks and embers for over a mile, but the rain soaked condition of the buildings prevented many other fires although several occurred and were easily extinguished. An AmericanLa France motor pumping engine, a steam fire engine, a hose-chemical wagon, a hose reel and a ladder truck with 2,500 feet of hose were in service. Six streams, 2 engine and 4 hydrant, through ¾and l 1/8-inch nozzles were used. A direct pumping water system of about 60 pounds pressure provided sufficient water through 8-inch mains, 7 single and double 4and 6-inch hydrants 300 feet apart.

One of the most destructive fires in Clarksville, Tenn., occurred recently destroying five of the principal business blocks on the north side of Franklin street, in the heart of the business section and damaging a number of adjoining buildings. The buildings destroyed were the Elder Opera House, in the basement of which the fire originated at 6.15 p. m.; the Elder building, Coca Cola Bottling Company building, H. T. Grizzard building and the Lillian moving picture theatre. The estimated total loss is $100,000. The cause of the fire is unknown. When the fire department, in command of Chief G. Charlton Smith, arrived, the fire filled the basement and great volumes of dense smoke were pouring from the building. A strong northwest wind assisted the flames which quickly spread throughout the building. Nine heavy cables melted and fell on two lines of hose and threw a telegraph pole down on the motorpumping engine putting it out of service for a few minutes at the commencement of the fire, which was a handicap at a critical period. The fire in a few minutes had enveloped the entire building, which was constructed of stone, brick and wood 30 years ago and was two stories high. It was soon igniting adjoining buildings when Nashville and Hopkinsville were telephoned to for assistance. Hopkinsville has no engine or equipment such as was needed, but Chief A. A. Rozetta, of Nashville, with an engine and 8 men, by railroad, made the 56-mile run in 1 1/2 hours, arriving at 11.04 oclock, but as the fire was then under control the engine was not unloaded. They returned home at 2.45 a. m. Anold Clarksville engine in reserve was called into service and did excellent work. The strong wind drove the fire to adjoining buildings and only by excellent work and good judgment was a sweeping conflagration probably prevented and the business section of the city saved. A half dozen or more adjoining business buildings, some of them of wood construction, were saved but badly damaged. Chief Rozetta, of Nashville, on his return home, in a newspaper interview in part, said of it: “It was a disagreeable night. Telephone poles fell across the streets and everywhere cables were down. The destruction was complete in the fire zone. It was a miracle no one was hurt. With falling poles and live wires down the good fortune of the citizens in escaping injury was remarkable. The firemen of Clarksville deserve great credit. They fought nobly and their efforts, combined with the timely aid of the citizens, saved the town from total destruction. We made the trip in good time. Clarksville was perfectly justifiable in calling help from Nashville. My only regret is that we didn’t get there in time to do them some material good.” The aerial truck was damaged by a telegraph pole falling on it. Sheet iron covered doors and window shutters saved one large building. Franklin street at one time was like a roaring furnace and firemen were constantly in danger from falling wires and poles. The press and public give the department much credit for its efficient work. The gale carried sparks and embers for over a mile, but the rain soaked condition of the buildings prevented many other fires although several occurred and were easily extinguished. An AmericanLa France motor pumping engine, a steam fire engine, a hose-chemical wagon, a hose reel and a ladder truck with 2,500 feet of hose were in service. Six streams, 2 engine and 4 hydrant, through ¾and l 1/8-inch nozzles were used. A direct pumping water system of about 60 pounds pressure provided sufficient water through 8-inch mains, 7 single and double 4and 6-inch hydrants 300 feet apart.