Jasper County Democrat, Volume 1, Number 26, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 8 October 1898 — FIRES IN THE FORESTS. [ARTICLE]

FIRES IN THE FORESTS.

Lumber Districts of the North Are Threatened with Destruction. Rain has come to the rescue of the limber districts and 3uml«er towns in Wisconsin, Minnesota and South Dakota, and the forest fires that threatened great destruction to cities and forests have been partially quenched. Reports received is St. Paul infikate that the worst is over, but precautions will not be relaxed. It is impossible to estimate the loss. Telegraphic communication with some of the stricken towns is still interrupted. Clayton, Clear Lake. Alamena and Poskln were almost wiped out. but many of the residents managed to save a goodly portion of their household goods. Latest reports from Barron said that place was still in danger, but it is probable that the greatest danger is passed. The loss to standing pine in Chippewa County. Wisconsin, is enormous. Glenwood, Wis., passed the danger point, but a twelve hours" fight with the flames was necessary to avert entire destruction. Cedar Lake Dam suffered severely, many buildings being burned at and near that place. The dam was aim destrryed. Among the heaviest losers at Cedar Tube Dam are Knapp, Stout & Co. whose large lumber barns and other buildings were burned. Rice Lake. Wis., narrowly escaped being wiped out, sixteen farm houses on the outskirts being destroyed. Hundreds are homeless, and thousands of feet of hardwood lumber are lost. The fate of many settlers in the forests ean only he conjectured. Fire departments in tike big cities hsve been appealed to for assistance, and are ready to go if they are needed. Some estimates of the loss are $3,000.0(10. Many lives are supposed to have been lost in the forest fires around Idaho Springs. The fires cover most of the northwestern part of the State, and the loss to woodland* is greater money could replace. Counties most affected ate Routt. Rio Blanco, Grand Larimer, Garfield, Eagle, Pitkin and Snaait