Fire Sweeps Prominent Pittsburg Business Block

Pittsburg, June 22. Fire broke out in the 5-story Eichbaum building about 1:30 p. m. and 15 minutes later had spread to Duff's college building, Platt's restaurant, the Exchange National bank, A. M. Murdock, florist, and the Hussey building. The flames burned fiercely and the occupants of the buildings were forced to fly for their lives. Several persons are reported to have been caught in the Duff building and it is feared were burned to death.

At 1:50 p. m. the flames crossed the street and in a few minutes the handsome iron structure of the First National bank on the corner of Fifth avenue and Wood street was in flames. Only the roof of the First National bank building was on fire and the flames were quickly extinguished. The fire is in the heart of the city and the buildings burned are all fine structures. The entire fire department was called out and the firemen are working heroically to stay the flames.

The First National bank building is next door to the Western Union main office.

The fire started in the rear of the Eichbaum building facing Diamond street. The building was being remodeled for a telephone office at an expense of many thousand dollars. As soon as the alarm was given, the money and values in the Exchange bank were placed in the vaults for safety.

At 2:25 p. m. the fire was apparently under control, after gutting the Eichbaum and Duff buildings. When the fire was discovered 50 students were on the fifth floor of Duff's college. A panic ensued, but beyond a few bruises and contusions all reached the street in safety.