Forest Fires Coming Under Control, May 8, 1926

Forest Fires Now Being Checked in Western Counties. . . District Foresters Send Reports to Raleigh That Conditions Are Improving at This Time. . . Troops Sought for the State. . . Governor Has Asked Federal Government to Send Troops to Aid in Fighting the Blazes

Raleigh, May 8 (AP)—The forest fires in western North Carolina are now under control generally speaking, according to telegrams received here today from District Foresters Sebring and Wheaton. The telegrams were sent to Assistant State Forester W.C. McCormick. They add that weather conditions are still such that the situation continues dangerous.

A telegram from Mr. Sebring, a night letter dispatched last night, reports that the fire near Grandfather Mountain on the boon division of Pisgah national forest “is about burned out. Six thousand acres were burned. One hundred and fifty fighters at work on the fire. Our conditions otherwise better No large fires.” It was still dry and windy the telegram said.

District Forester Wreaton wired “weather conditions still favorable for fires. Showers predicted tomorrow (Saturday). One small fire reported in Buncombe.

Had Asked for Troops

Washington, May 8 (AP)—The war department has under consideration a request from Governor McLean of North Carolina that federal troops be furnished to aid in fighting forest fires in that state.

Before taking any action Forestry Service officials will be consulted, and if it is decided that troops shall be used, the corps commander of the area in which North Carolina is located will do what is necessary.

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Troops Fight Fire in Virginia

Blacksburg, Va., May 8 (AP)—With fresh breezes spreading the forest fire raging near here, Battery G. of the 236th Coast Artillery received word at 10 o’clock this morning to rush men back to the area. The troops came here for a few hours’ rest at 5 o’clock after fighting the fire all night.

Several saw mills and residences are reported in danger, as the flames spread along Craig Creek, about six miles from Blacksburg. At present the fire is confirmed to Brus and Gap Mountains over a 10-mile front.

Capt. James O. Hodge, commanding the coast artillery battery, said today that while the calm night made the fire easy to handle, the breeze today served to spread the fire area.

From the front page of The Concord Daily Tribune, May 8, 1926

newspapers.digitalnc.org/lccn/sn92073201/1926-05-08/ed-1/seq-1/