Destroyed Property Uninhabited Origin of Fire Unknown
The premises known as Empire Store, here, and the dwelling house attached, were razed to the ground by fire last night at 11 p.m. The origin of the fire is unknown, as the place as uninhabited. Had the wind been one point more to the west, the premises of B. & G. Squires as well as the dwellings of Mrs. Wm. Collins, Timothy Collins, Mrs. Cleary and the R. C. chapel and school would have been totally destroyed.
As it was, the dwelling of Mrs. Wm: Collins and the store of B. & G. Squires were only saved by the united assistance of the neighbors, who were quickly on the scene, and by forming a bucket brigade were instrumental in saving these buildings.
It is the unanimous opinion of every one that it was deliberately set fire, by some party, and a thorough investigation should be held in the matter, and if the guilty party is found they should be severely dealt with.
B. B. SQUIRES, J.P., Spaniard’s Bay, May 13, 1926.
Fire is one of humanity’s oldest foes. It destroyed Harbour Grace on numerous occasions, St John’s had because of fires had more resurrections than Lazarus. It is still a threat, forest fires are a growing danger and threat with each passing year.
Something made these people think it was arson, if true it may have been malicious intent or to cover a crime. It’s too bad the reasoning for this speculation was not written, it would have made great discussions for armchair detectives.
Forgotten History of Spaniard's Bay 