Providence, RI Furniture Store Fire, Apr 1904

PROVIDENCE ASKS AID FOR FIRE

Building in Business District Destroyed---Fear It May Spread.

PROVIDENCE, R. I., May 1.---The entire Fire Department of this city is engaged this morning in fighting a fierce fire in a six story building extending from Weybasset Street to Chapel Street. Aid has been asked from Pawtucket and other nearby places, as the flames are beyond control and it is feared they will spread to other buildings in the business district.

Flames were discovered late last night in the building which was occupied by Anthony & Cowell, furniture and upholstery dealers. They were on the two upper floors.

The fire started from a fuse in the dyanmo room and followed the elevator shaft to the roof. Ten firemen were temporarily overcome by smoke. J. W. Founce, an upholsterer, was on the third floor when the fire started, and was unable to make his way from the building. He was later discovered hanging from a sign outside a third-story window and rescued by the firemen.

The fire was thought to be under control at midnight, after the firemen had fought it bravely. Soon after, however, it burst forth again, and at 1 o'clock it appeared to be beyond the control of the firemen. At that hour the third and fourth floors of the building were in flames and it was believed the fire would spread to adjoining property. The loss at the time way estimated at $650,000, about $250,000 of which was on the building itself.

The efforts of the firemen were directed to saving nearby property.

The New York Times, New York, NY 1 May 1904

--------

PROVIDENCE FIRE LOSS $400,000.

PROVIDENCE, R. I., May 1,---Later estimates place the loss from the fire which damaged the six-story building at 245 Weybosset Street, occupied by the Anthony & Cowell Company, furniture and upholstery dealers, at little less than $400,000, partially covered by insurance.

The New York Times, New York, NY 2 May 1904
__________________

Transcribed by Linda Horton. Thank you, Linda!