Benton City Merchant Loses Everything in Fire
A local family returns from an evening out to find their home and business leveled by flames.
Fire completely destroyed the home and store of J. Demoss, Thursday evening. Mr. Demoss and family were at the I. O. O. F. entertainment when the fire started. By the time the crowd arrived at the scene of the fire, it had gained such a headway that it was impossible to save anything. Mr. Demoss states that he has $5,700 insurance, which will not cover the loss. He expects to rebuild as soon as possible.
“By the time the crowd arrived at the scene of the fire, it had gained such a headway that it was impossible to save anything.”
The vulnerability of wood-frame structures and businesses to fire was a constant threat in early Washington settlements, with insurance payouts often falling short of the actual cost of starting over.
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