Evening Republican, Volume 17, Number 137, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 9 June 1913 — First 64 June Fires Cost Indiana $133,200. [ARTICLE]

First 64 June Fires Cost Indiana $133,200.

Jqqe made a “good” start toward upholding Indiana’s record for Are losses, incomplete reports for the first five days, received by W. E. Longley, state fire marshal, showing a total loss of $133,200. There were 64 fires.

This is very close to the record made during May, when the approximate daily loss by fire was around $30,000. For the week ending June 5, taking in the last two days of May, 84 fires were reported, with a total loss of $169,210. One significant feature of the investigation of the causes of fires during that period, is the large number attributed to “adjoining fires.” Twenty-Seven of the 84 fires were caused by the burning of nearby or adjoining buildings. “This demonstrates,” says Fire Marshal Dmgley, “that the danger of fire is. two-fold. Not only may fire occur on your own premises, but you- are in constant danger of fire from adjoining buildings. It is clear, then, that it is every man’s concern to be sure that fire hazards are eliminated throughout his entire community. Wherever there is a perilous condition, the buildings on all sides of it are in. peril.” Twelve fires were classed as being of unknown origin. Eight were caused by defective flues. Seven of the fires are believed to be of incepdiary origin, while six were caused by carelessness with matches and lighted cigars. Explosions caused five fires and lightning the same number. Sparks from chimneys caused four fires. Stoves set fire to four properties and spontaneous combusion, two. One fire was caused by defective wiring and there were three of miscellaneous character. One of these occurred in a South Bend “suititorium”, where brimstone, in the pocket of a coat which was being cleaned, became ignited and set fire to gasoline in a tank.