Disastrous Fire In Richmond.

The Flames Destroy Property Valued at $400,000.

Richmond, Jan. 5.-Richmond this evening suffered the severest fire loss it has known for years. About 3 o’clock fire broke out in the Merchants and Planters’ tobacco warehouse, which covered about a third of a block. In it were stored some 3,600 hogsheads of tobacco, 2,600 of which belonged the American Tobacco Company. In an incredibly short time the interior of the building was a roaring furnace, and there was no hope of saving the structure or any of its contents.

The destruction was complete. The flames spread to the Kingan Cold storage plant, to Carter & Ryland’s commission house, and to a vacant machine shop building. The damage to the last two was slight, as was that of Davenport’s warehouse, in the vicinity. But Kingan & Co. suffered a loss of some $30,000, fully insured. The loss on the tobacco in the Merchants & Planters’ Warehouse is estimated at $350,000, with insurance about $300,000. The building was fully insured. The total loss is $400,000; insurance, $350,000.

The proximity of the burning warehouse to two of the city’s great gas holders caused serious fear of an explosion. At times the holders were so hot that the paint peeled off.

The New York Times, New York, NY 6 Jan 1900
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Transcribed by June. Thanks June!