“Port Arthur Fire Razes Freight Shed,” Toronto Globe. August 8, 1931. Page 02. ---- Flames Sweep Building and Cars and Do Damage Set at $140,000 ---- (Special Despatch to The Globe.) Port Arthur, Aug. 7. - Damage estimated at $140,000 was caused by fire of undetermined origin which destroyed at C. N. R. freight shed and eighteen freight cars shortly after 5 o’clock this afternoon. The building was directly along side the main C. N. R. freight shed and passenger dock, and directly in front of the main business section of the city. The building was valued at $80,000; material stored in the shed awaiting shipment West, and consisting largely of soap, was valued at $30,000; and damage to the freight cars is expected to reach more than $30,000.
The blaze was discovered near the end facing the lake, and in four minutes had spread to the other end of the building, a distance of approximately 200 yards. The shed was equipped with an automatic fire alarm system, and the city Fire Department was quickly on the scene. Railway firefighting equipment arrived shortly after, and the Fort William Fire Department sent over a pump, hose truck, and several men.
The fire quickly gained a strong hold on the wooden structure, and efforts were directed largely toward saving near-by sheds and railway buildings. There was only a slight breeze blowing, but sparks from the burning shed were carried several blocks into the city.
