Berlin, NH Fire, Jan 1905

BERLIN'S GREAT FIRE.

New Hampshire Town Stricken, With Thermometer Below Zero.

Berlin, N. H., Jan. 5.--A fire that was fought from 9:15 o'clock last night until after 2 o'clock this morning destroyed Clement's Opera House block, the two Gagnon blocks, the Thorndike hotel, Brooks drug store, three storehouses and a stable and threatened the entire business section of the city. The total loss is placed at $150,000.

During the fire many lodgers leaped from the fourth story of the Opera House block, sustaining in several instances broken limbs and other serious injuries. Mrs. Frank Wright, one of those who jumped, was picked up insensible and is in a dangerous condition, with a chance of her recovery. She missed the net which had been placed by the firemen and struck on the frozen ground. Her husband, Frank Wright, is perhaps fatally hurt.

The fire originated in the Opera House block from an unknown cause and had a good start before it was discovered. Early in the fire the electric light wires were broken down, leaving the city in darkness save for the flames and adding to the confusion. The night was bitter cold, with the thermometer below zero.

The Fitchburg Sentinel, Fitchburg, MA 5 Jan 1905
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Transcribed by Helen Coughlin. Thank you, Helen!