[Newspaper]
Publication: The Rocky Mountain News
Denver, CO, United States
vol. 47, no. 127, p. 10, col. 1
FLYING SPARK IS CAUSE OF FIRE
Western Glass Company Claims That Colorado & Southern Is Responsible for Destruction of Its Plant.
Officials Announce That Suit for Damages Will Be Instituted in District Court—Patrick Quinn Makes Statement.
It was announced last night by officials of the Western Glass company that suit for damages covering the loss resulting to their plant Friday evening would be instituted in the district court against the Colorado & Southern Railway company, through whose negligence, the fire is said to have originated.
According to an investigation made by officials of the company the fire was started by a spark from a passing Colorado & Southern engine while a tank load of oil was being transferred from a car to one of the tanks on the grounds.
It was at first thought that the fire was caused by spontaneous combustion in one of the gas producers. Patrick Quinn, superintendent of the works, denies this. He said last night:
“The fire was started by a spark from one of the Colorado & Southern engines. We were running oil from a tank car to one of our tanks at the time. When the engine passed a spark fell in this oil and in an instant the entire mass was ablaze. The statement that the fire was caused by spontaneous combustion is an erroneous one.”
The company will start the construction of a temporary plant next week. This when completed will give employment to the men until July. As the glass workers do not work during July and August the erection of a permanent plant will be begun at that time and will be ready for occupancy by September 1.