Los Angeles Daily Herald

Almost a Fire.

Last night about eight o'clock a small fire occurred back of the Real Estate and Building Association office, on Second street near Fort, which might have resulted in serious damage. It has been the habit of some of the residents of Hellman's houses to put ashes out in wooden boxes on the lot in the rear of the carpenter shop, and last night one of these boxes took fire and would certainly have reached the fences, outhouses or carpenter shop but for the fortunate appearance of Mr. Ballard and another man, who extinguished the flames. In a few minutes more the premises would have been in flames and perhaps the cosy residence block on Fort street would have been a blackened ruin. In view of this narrow escape we hope housekeepers will not pursue the suicidal policy of placing hot ashes in wooden boxes, or exposing them where they can come in contact with combustible substances. It is the duty of the City Marshal to see that no one is allowed to endanger property in this manner and we know he will in future promptly arrest all parties guilty of such culpable carelessness.