Muskegon, MI Department Store Fire, Feb 1937

MUSKEGON STORES SWEPT BY BLAZE.

Muskegon, Mich. -- (U.P.) -- Losses were estimated at $450,000 when flames, fanned by a 25-mile-an-hour wind, consumed the GROSSMAN and KLINE department stores today in the most destructive fire which ever has ravaged the business district here.
Threatened destruction of the city's entire business district was forestalled with assistance of Muskegon Heights and Grand Haven fire fighting equipment. Ten firemen barely escaped death or serious injury from falling walls and an explosion.
EZEKIEL HENTSCHILL, colored janitor, discovered the fire in the basement of the KLINE store. He was the only person injured, suffering a severe gash in his leg when he kicked out a window.
The flames spread to the GROSSMAN store, and smoke damaged the National Lumberman's Bank and some other buildings before firemen gained control.

Oshkosh Daily Northwestern Wisconsin 1937-02-06
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Researched and Transcribed by Stu Beitler. Thank you, Stu!