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The New Hampshire Gazette And General Advertiser
Portsmouth, Rockingham County, New Hampshire
What is this article about?
On September 28, a devastating fire destroyed nearly a third of the houses in Newbern, North Carolina. Lacking fire engines and facing high winds, residents blew up a house with gunpowder to halt the flames, saving the remaining buildings. Damages were immense.
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DREADFUL FIRE.
On the 28th ult. nearly a third part of the houses in the late flourishing town of Newbern in North-Carolina, fell a sacrifice to Fire. The exertions of the inhabitants, in endeavouring to stop the progress of this destructive element, were truly conspicuous, but unfortunately they were unprovided with fire engines. The wind was also high; and had the flames continued but a short space longer, not a single building would have escaped. A general consternation, as it may well be supposed, took place; at length it was suggested to have recourse to an expedient, perhaps never before practiced in this part of the world. A considerable number of barrels of gunpowder were placed in a house, and by being blown up, insured the safety of the rest. By the mere heat of the fire, which raged at the distance of 80 feet, flames were kindled in wooden tenements; and thus the ruin of the town would have been complete, had fire not been used for the purpose of extinguishing fire.
The damages in the above event are immense.
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Where did it happen?
Domestic News Details
Primary Location
Newbern In North Carolina
Event Date
28th Ult.
Outcome
nearly a third part of the houses destroyed; damages immense
Event Details
Nearly a third part of the houses in the late flourishing town of Newbern in North-Carolina fell a sacrifice to Fire. The exertions of the inhabitants to stop the progress were conspicuous, but they lacked fire engines and the wind was high. To prevent total destruction, a considerable number of barrels of gunpowder were placed in a house and blown up, insuring the safety of the rest. The heat from the fire 80 feet away kindled flames in wooden tenements.