West Falls Town Visited by
Destructive Conflagration
Durango was swept by a conflagration which started about one o'clock this
morning.
Five mercantile establishments were reduced to ashes in a short time. The
fire started in the Stevens general merchandise store and quickly spread to
others. The entire row of buildings to and including Alsup & Elliot's was
consumed. The store of J. H. Cox, some distance from the fire zone, escaped
without serious damage.
Practically the entire business portion of the town was destroyed.
Everything being dry, water very scarce and a stiff wind blowing from the north,
nothing could be done toward checking the flames until the material practically
gave out. The property nearby was saved by the great efforts of the citizens.
The losses and insurance had not been estimated at the close of this
report.