NEWSPAPER & ARCHIVE
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Dec. 9 (UP) - Authorities attempted today to complete identification of 11 persons killed early Sunday by a spectacular fire which virtually destroyed the three story Barry hotel. Eighteen persons were injured.
Some of the bodies were burned beyond recognition. The hotel register and other records were destroyed, making impossible an exact check of the number of guests. It was believed, however, the total was less than 100.
Fire Marshal ALBERT HIGGINS said the brick and wood structure was "fire resistant", and, unlike Atlanta's Winecoff Hotel it had fire escapes from which many of the guests fled to safety.
The 18 were injured when they jumped from windows or fell while trying to climb down ropes of knotted sheets towels and clothing. HIGGINS said firemen rescued "almost 50" guests, carrying them down ladders or guiding them down fire escapes.
The fire started in the hotel kitchen. A cook was believed to have thrown some gasoline on a dying fire. The resultant explosion spread burning gasoline which spread and rapidly enveloped the entire hotel in flames.
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