NEWSPAPER & ARCHIVE
Tampa, Fla., Dec. 31. - Two blocks in the wholesale district, bounded by the river and by Tampa, Whiting and Washington streets were destroyed by fire late yesterday. Early estimates placed the loss between $350,000 and $500,000.
The business section was cut off from electric lights and power, and special police protection was provided merchants last night, thieves having robbed offices at the Citizens National Bank of small amounts while the fire was in progress. The Tribune was preparing to issue last night by [illegible]
Capt. J. D. ROSS and several other firemen were burned while fighting the flames, which spread so rapidly almost 1,000 feet of hose had to be abandoned.
Sparks, falling on the roof of the Home Line Office from a bay steamer, getting up steam under a forced draft, are believed to have started the fire.
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