Harrison, ID Cameron Lumber Company Fire, Aug 1902

DISASTROUS BLAZE IN NORTH IDAHO TOWN

Big Lumber Mills at Harrison Destroyed Together with Nearly Three Million Feet of Lumber--Loss Over Eighty Thousand Dollars.

Harrison, Ida., Aug. 27.--The mills of the Cameron Lumber company here were destroyed by fire this afternoon together with nearly 3,000,000 feet of choice lumber. The estimated loss is between $80,000 and $90,000, with but $20,000 insurance. A heavy west wind threatened the entire town for a time. Heroic work by the firemen and a bucket brigade, in which women and children assisted, controlled the flames and by 8 o’clock the town was out of danger. The plant was owned by Daniel Cameron, A. E. Campbell and C. H. Moore of Spokane, and Larson & Greenough of Montana. Its capacity was 60,000 feet per day and 60 men were employed. The flames started from a spark from an engine. A telegram was sent to Wallace for aid, and a special with 20 men and 1,000 feet of hose was sent to Harrison, arriving here in one and a half hours.

Early Report.

Spokane, Aug. 27.-- A special to the Chronicle from Harrison, Idaho, says a hot fire is raging there and the entire town is in danger of destruction. The fire started in the Cameron Lumber company’s plant about 2:30 p. m., the supposed cause being a spark from an engine. The Cameron plant, valued at $50,000m has already been destroyed. A high wind is blowing toward the east. Should it turn toward the town, there is little hope of saving it. The citizens are fighting the fire, but are almost powerless, as the waterworks give but feeble streams.

Idaho Daily Statesman, Boise City, ID 28 Aug 1902
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Transcribed by Audrey. Thank you, Audrey!