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HEAVY FIRE IN OAKLAND

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Pacific Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Oakland, California · Mar 11, 1880

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 6, No. 10.

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HEAVY FIRE IN OAKLAND.

Very heavy winds prevailed in this section on Monday the 8th, and the night following. The force and effect of the storm on the mountains we have no means of ascertaining, as the wires were down, and the overland train of the 9th did not arrive that day, nor has it arrived at the hour of our going to press, on the 10th.
An alarm of fire was turned in at 2 o'clock the morning of the 9th, the fire being in the Grand Central Hotel. The wind was blowing a gale, and it was soon found to be impossible to save the hotel, when the efforts were put forth to save other buildings. By dint of hard work and skillful engineering the main fire was confined to that block.
The force of the wind, sending the burning cinders in a complete shower to a great distance, led to the belief that the whole south-eastern portion of the city would be consumed. By order of the chief of the fire department the people worked steadily on the roofs of their houses, which alone prevented a much greater conflagration.
The Grand Central Hotel was a massive structure, and one of the landmarks of Oakland. It was four stories high, with mansard roof, and a tower. It fronted on 12th street, occupying the entire block between Webster and Harrison streets, facing the north. On the south-west corner of the block stood the Webster House, eastward of which were five other buildings. All these were destroyed.
Many other buildings were set on fire by the falling coals, most of which were saved by reason of the constant watchfulness of the citizens. One house on Harrison street, and two on Seventh street were consumed.
The Grand Central was insured to the amount of $62,000. The Webster House was not insured. The total loss on that block is said to be $355,000. It is quite surprising that the loss is so small, considering the circumstances. One engine came over from San Francisco in answer to a telegram for help. Great praise is awarded to the firemen for their faithfulness, and the citizens have much reason to be thankful that the fire was confined to so narrow limits.