Fire.—Yesterday morning, about 6 o’clock, the cry of fire was heard in our streets. A dense column of smoke was observed to proceed from the new store and dwelling of O. M. Evans. On repairing to place we found the flames bursting from the roof and leaping with almost incredible celerity from point to point, scarcely finding any resistance to their progress in the light pine wood of which the building was principally constructed. A glance showed that it would be folly to attempt saving the building without an engine, and exertions were made to save the furniture and goods. About one half the furniture and two-thirds of the goods were saved. In about ten minutes from the first appearance of the flames from the roof of Mr. Evan’s building, the store of A. N. Hart distant about 40 feet, was seen to be scorching, and apparently ready to burst into flame. In a few seconds, as it were, it was blazing. The Post Office was in this building, and on the first appearance of fire, all the books, papers, letters, &c., belonging to the office were removed to a place of safety. The goods belonging to Mr. Hart were principally removed. Almost simultaneously with the store of A. N. Hart, the Exchange Hotel, owned by Oliver B. Hart, nearly 60 feet distant, took fire, from the intense heat alone. Into this building, which presented a front of about 100 feet running back about 60 feet, Mr. H. Howland had moved the day previous, and intended to have opened the house as its landlord this morning. By timely warning and active exertions, Mr. Howland saved nearly all his furniture. The barns, one belonging to the tavern stand, and the other to Mr. Evans, were soon on fire; making five buildings burning at the same time. No effort could save, and where but and hour previous stood the buildings in which the greater portion of the business of our village was transacted, nothing but smoking ruins was to be seen.

The building owned by Mr. Evans was one of the most beautiful specimens of architecture and excellent workmanship that we have seen in Michigan, and cost him, we are informed, over $2,500. Mr. Evan’s loss is about $3,000. Insured by the Kalamazoo Mutual Insur. Co. Mr. A. N. Hart’s loss is estimated at from $400 to $650. Insured by the Kalamazoo Mutual. The loss sustained by Mr. O. B. Hart is from $1,000 to $1,500. No insurance.

The basement of A. N. Hart’s building was occupied as a grocery store by Messrs. Maxfield and Turner, who succeeded in removing, with but little damage, all their goods.

For a time the dwelling house of Mr. Hatch, and the jail of the county, were in danger, but by careful watch and keeping them constantly wet, they were saved.

The fire originated from a stove pipe.

Our village seems fated. It is but a few months since that a noble building erected as a Court House was entirely destroyed, and now a still greater calamity has befallen us.

Detroit Free Press (Detroit, MI) Friday, 4 Jun 1841, page 2