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N0KFQ > TODAY 12.10.11 18:17l 44 Lines 1868 Bytes #999 (0) @ WW
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Subj: Today in History - Oct 12
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Sent: 111012/1553Z 12729@KB0WSA.MO.USA.NA BPQ1.0.4
Oct 12, 1918:
Fire rages in Minnesota
A massive forest fire rages through Minnesota on this day in
1918, killing hundreds of people and leaving thousands homeless.
The fire burned at least 1,500 square miles.
The fire, known as the Cloquet-Moose Lake fire because that is
where the damage was worst, began at rail lines near Sturgeon
Lake. This region of Minnesota, north of Duluth in the eastern
part of the state, was ripe for a major disaster of this sort.
The area's timber industry used crude slash methods in the thick
forests, leaving behind dry scraps that were perfect kindling for
wildfires. They also tended to leave these scraps lying around
the rail lines that carried wood from the lumber mills. Since
train engines of the time often gave off sparks, fires were
nearly inevitable.
Making matters even worse, the months leading up to October 1918
were very hot and dry. When the fire began on October 12, it
spread quickly due to high winds. In the Moose Lake area, more
than 200 people died when the fire came up quickly on the
community. Many local residents attempted to flee the raging
flames by driving down Highway 73, south of the Kettle River. A
sharp curve in the road proved to be too difficult to maneuver
for drivers speeding from the flames surrounding them and at
least 15 vehicles went off the road, resulting in 25 deaths.
In all, 38 towns and villages were destroyed by the fire. Four
hundred and fifty three deaths were reported and another 85
people were seriously burned. Four thousand houses, 6,000 barns
and 40 schools all went up in flames. Hundreds of thousands of
farm animals also perished in the fire_a huge loss for area
farmers. In all, the region suffered close to $100 million in
damages.
73, K.O. n0kfq
Another old retired guy
E-mail: n0kfq@winlink.org
N0KFQ@N0KFQ.#SWMO.MO.USA.NA
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