Limerick, ME Fire, Jan 1899

A BUCKET BRIGADE

Was Powerless to Stop Flames In Limerick Village.

SEVERAL BUILDINGS DESTROYED.

These Include Three Stores, Residence of Deputy Sheriff and Some Outbuildings. Village Hotel Is Saved Only by Great Effort--Loss Is Estimated at $25,000, Partially Insured.

Limerick, Me., Jan. 27.--The business section of this village was partially destroyed by fire, which started at 5:30 o'clock this morning and burned furiously until 10:30 in the forenoon. Half a dozen buildings are in ashes, and several others were damaged. The flames broke out in the residence of Dana S. Beacham, a deputy sheriff of York county. Mr. Beacham's house was situated on Main street, near a large number of wooden buildings. A high westerly wind prevailed at the time, and the fire spread quickly to the stable and outbuildings of the deputy sheriff.

The village is poorly equipped to combat a large fire, and for a long time the efforts of the volunteer bucket brigade, which was hastily formed, were powerless to stop the progress of the flames. The fire spread to the general store of Pease & Roberts, and then to the store of Ira S. Libby & Son. A millinery store, occupied by Mrs. M. R. Beacham, was also in the path of the flames, and these buildings, together with several outbuildings were consumed. The storekeepers succeeded in saving part of their stock. They were all on one side of Main street, and at one time it was feared all the stores and dwellings on that side would be burned. The village hotel, conducted by J. A. Campbell, caught fire several times, but the application of a large quantity of water on the roof, together with wet blankets, saved it. The hotel was somewhat damaged.

The fire was under control at 10:30 o'clock. It is difficult to obtain the exact amount of the loss, but it is thought it will not exceed $25,000. Nearly all property owners carry a partial insurance.

The Portsmouth Herald, Portsmouth, NH 28 Jan 1899
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Transcribed by Linda Horton. Thank you, Linda!