A Wall of Flame Along the Northern Pacific

Tacoma, May 16.—Large forest fires are raging along both sides of the Northern Pacific tracks from South Prairie to the summit of the Cascade mountains, a distance of fifty-five miles. At Lester, seventy miles east of here, the postoffice building and two small residences were burned with all their contents yesterday. The railroad employes saved the company's property by using locomotives and throwing water over the buildings. There were a number of loaded trains on side tracks there. The fire caught from burning logs and is still raging about the town. The railroad's bridge and section crews are all fighting the flames. Superintendent Meade reports that fires were put out in the snowsheds several times today. They had caught from falling burning trees. A high wind would cause great damage, but rain is looked for.

All the contents of the postoffice were destroyed, although Postmaster R. W. Simpson tried to save at least the government property. By the heroic efforts of the entire population the saloon was saved. It stood 200 feet west of the postoffice and had a narrow escape. The railroad company's property at the Lester roundhouse was saved by the employes using the engines and keeping the buildings well soaked with water.

The fire started from some logs that were being burned in the east end of Lester. The high wind that was blowing spread the flames to the forest, and after that they traveled quickly. At Wilkeson the logging camp of the Tacoma Lumber and Manufacturing Co. had a narrow escape. Hard work saved it.

Everett, May 16 Special.—A big brush fire in Cyphers & Stinson's camp, near Granite Falls, Wednesday afternoon destroyed two flat cars of the Everett Monte Cristo railroad. The buildings were saved, and the live stock, oxen and horses, were nearly surrounded by fire before the danger was realized. They were driven to Granite Falls.