Fire First Discovered in Postoffice.

OF UNKNOWN ORIGIN

Volunteer Fireman, Through Handicapped by Lack of Water System, Do Good Work.

Special to the State.

Blaney, Nov. 16. – The United State post office and two stores, adjoined the post office, were destroyed by fire of unknown origin here early this morning, only strenuous work by volunteer firemen preventing the blaze from spreading to other store and residences nearby.

The fire was discovered at about 1:30 o’clock this morning by Dr. H. E. Vaughan and apparently had its beginning in the post office which was owned by J. T. Ross. The blaze soon spread to a small store, owned by J. E. Jeffers and then to a large brick store building, owned by John Rose. The greater part of the equipment and mail in the post office was saved as was a large portion of the goods in the stores. The Rose building was unoccupied. Several nearby residences were slightly damaged by the flames.

The volunteer firefighters were handicapped by their lack of water, the town having no water system, and the Camden fire department, to which a call for help was sent, could offer no assistance since its equipment did not include a large chemical engine such as would have been needed. Practically every citizen was aroused and all joined in the effort to check the flames with the result that at about 2:30 o’clock this morning the fire was under control.

It is impossible this morning to arrive at any accurate estimate of the loss.