Others of the
palaces of millionairedom followed. Huge clouds of smoke enveloped the
beautiful white stone Fairmount Hotel, and there was a general feeling
of horror when this magnificent structure seemed doomed. To it the
Committee of Safety had retreated, but the flames from the burning
buildings opposite reached it, and the committee once more migrated in
search of safe quarters. Fortunately, it escaped with little damage, its
walls remaining intact and much of the interior being left in a state
of preservation, warranting its managers to offer space within it to the
committees whose aim it was to help the homeless or to store supplies.
Some of the woodwork of the building was destroyed by the fire, but
the structure was in such good condition that work on it was quickly
resumed, with the statement that its completion would not be delayed
more than three months beyond the date set, which was November, 1906.
In the district extending northwestwardly from Kearney Street and
Montgomery Avenue, untouched during the first day, the fire spread
freely on the second. This district embraces the Latin quarter,
peopled by various nationalities, the houses being of the flimsiest
construction. Once it had gained a foothold there, the fire swept onward
as though making its way through a forest in the driest summer season.
An apochryphal incident is told of the fire in this quarter, which may
be repeated as one example of the fables set afloat. It is stated that
water to fight the fire here was sadly lacking, the only available
supply being from an old well.
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