$300,000 Blaze Takes Life, Kills 165 Horses and Mules, April 21, 1924

Terrific Blaze Destroys Life and Property in Big Stockyard in Richmond. . . One Man Killed and Many Score of Horses Dead. . . Cigarette the Cause?. . . Damage Is Placed at $300,000; Blaze Discovered by Policeman at Early Morning Hour; Entire Structure Involved When Firemen Reached the Building

Richmond, Va., April 21—Charles Bernichi, 33, lost his life and 165 horses and mules were burned to death in a fire which completely destroyed the Southern stock yards here early today and caused damage estimated at $300,000.

The origin of the blaze which was seen first in the feed store room has not been determined. Police are investigating the theory that a lighted cigarette was thrown into the feed store room causing the blaze.

The fire was discovered by policemen shortly before 2 o’clock and before the arrival of the fire apparatus had spread to virtually the entire structure which covered several acres of ground.

From the front page of The Wilson Times, Tuesday, April 22, 1924