| Ottawa West Canadian Pacific Central and East Sections of Roundhouse Burned 20 February 1905. |
 On the stroke of 1 o'clock this morning fire broke out in the Canadian Pacific roundhouse on the Richmond road, and before it was extinguished damage to the extent of about $6,000 had been done. The interior of the central and eastern sections of the semi-circular roundhouse structure was gutted, and six locomotives, which were in the building, were badly damaged. The origin of the fire is unknown. A staff of cleaners were at work at the time, and it is believed that fire from one of the engines, or from a torch, set fire to the woodwork. At any rate, the whole interior of the building was soon a mass of flames and an alarm was sent in from box 141, hose wagons Nos. 1, 2, 7 and 8 responding. The fire fighters made a quick trip to the scene. The firemen were well directed by Chief Provost, and streams were seen playing on the on the inside and the outside of the burning building. The big Waterous engine Canada was used for the first time and Chief Provost stated today that he was well pleased with the test it was given. Had the new steamer not been used the chief is of the opinion that the whole roundhouse would have been totally destroyed. The big steamer provided plenty of pressure. The firemen experienced some trouble in getting the hoses between the locomotives but altogether the blaze was well handled. When the fire broke out the engines began to move out of the roundhouse, and there was much commotion, many of the locomotives blowing off steam with their whistles going full blast. The ball bearing turntable proved of great facility in the shunting around of the locomotives from track to track. At the time the fire broke out there were thirteen locomotives in the roundhouse. Seven of these were taken out. The most valuable passenger engines were removed. The six locomotives damaged have been for some time used on passenger and freight trains and the damage to them consists mainly of the destruction of cabs and rear portions and can be repaired. The loss on the building will amount to about $1,000. The damage to the rolling stock is covered by insurance. |