The Chehalis Inferno

At 8 o'clock this morning a disastrous fire visited Chehalis, leaving smoldering heaps where business buildings once stood. Not two months have elapsed since Chehalis was visited by its first great fire, leading to ominous murmurings that the blazes were incendiary. The fire started on the upper floor of a vacant building on Main street belonging to George Gregg, which had become a nest of tramps, loafers, and drunks. With only a chemical engine for protection, the fire department was powerless against a strong north wind. In less than forty minutes, four blocks of wooden buildings were consumed. To the south, the flames took Mrs. Barrett's residence; to the west, E. McClintic's livery barn. The fire even defied the wind to consume the Reinhart and Noftsger stores. The city's courthouse and Odd Fellows' hall were only spared when the iron roof of the Long building collapsed, effectively smothering the fire below. Centralia firemen arrived via train an hour and a half later, but they arrived only to find the city already burned out. The total loss is estimated at $110,000, with only one-third covered by insurance. The city marshal has since arrested half a dozen vagrants found in town.