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Story
July 17, 1877
The Van Buren Press
Van Buren, Crawford County, Arkansas
What is this article about?
Prisoners at the local jail attempted to escape by burning a hole through the floor on Monday night, but the fire spread quickly, filling the jail with smoke. The jailer, Stamps, refused to open the door and alerted the sheriff; the fire was extinguished by a crowd without harm.
Clipping
OCR Quality
98%
Excellent
Full Text
Fire at the Jail.
On Monday night last the fire bells rang about 12 o'clock which caused general turn out, and it was soon discovered that the jail was on fire. The prisoners had tried to burn a hole through the middle floor, but it got the start of them, and the smoke became so dense that they were near suffocation. They alarmed the jailer to give them air and water to put the fire out, but Stamps was too wise to open the door. He gave the alarm and went for the Sheriff, and when the door was opened the prisoners were just about "smoked out." A large crowd was present and the fire was soon extinguished. We venture to say they don't try this method of escape again.
On Monday night last the fire bells rang about 12 o'clock which caused general turn out, and it was soon discovered that the jail was on fire. The prisoners had tried to burn a hole through the middle floor, but it got the start of them, and the smoke became so dense that they were near suffocation. They alarmed the jailer to give them air and water to put the fire out, but Stamps was too wise to open the door. He gave the alarm and went for the Sheriff, and when the door was opened the prisoners were just about "smoked out." A large crowd was present and the fire was soon extinguished. We venture to say they don't try this method of escape again.
What sub-type of article is it?
Crime Story
Disaster
What themes does it cover?
Crime Punishment
What keywords are associated?
Jail Fire
Prison Escape
Arson Attempt
Failed Breakout
What entities or persons were involved?
Stamps
Prisoners
Sheriff
Where did it happen?
The Jail
Story Details
Key Persons
Stamps
Prisoners
Sheriff
Location
The Jail
Event Date
On Monday Night Last
Story Details
Prisoners attempted to burn through the jail floor to escape but caused a fire that nearly suffocated them; jailer Stamps alerted the sheriff, and a crowd extinguished the blaze.