News: Clark Co. – Forest Fires (Aug 1886)

Transcriber: Ellen Johnson
Contact: stan@wiclarkcountyhistory.org

Surnames: None

----Source: Ogdensburg Journal (Ogdensburg, N.Y.) 10 Aug 1886

Chicago, August 9, 1886 – Late advices from the section of Wisconsin devastated by forest fires yesterday place the loss by burning of this village of Spencer at nearly $400,000, instead of $200,000, as was first reported.

There was a large fire in Marshfield, 150,000 feet of chair stock at Webster’s Factory being destroyed. The town was saved by hard work.

A dispatch from Neillsville says: “Great fear is expressed in this city on account of the extensive forest fires which are within four miles of the city, and coming nearer. The Mayor and council have ordered the fire companies to be in readiness at any moment.”

Hewettville, seven miles west of here, was burned to the ground yesterday. The loss has not been estimated as yet, but will be very great.

Dells Dam, six miles south of here, is also in imminent danger. If rain does not fall inside twenty-four hours it is feared this city will also suffer greatly.