8. A Close Shave

Vancouver Archives AM54-S4-: Hot P7 & On This Spot Enterprises

1887

Vancouver's volunteer fire department had only been established 16 days before the fire, and one of the volunteers, Hugh Campbell, had been lounging in the Sunnyside Hotel when the shouts and smoke drew him outside.xx9 The blast of heat hit him like a punch in the stomach, and he gaped at the towering wall of flames that was heading his ways. In his 16 days as volunteer firefighter, the little training he had undergone placed priority on getting all the stumping dynamite out of town. He knew most of it was in Scoullar's General Store, back up Water Street in the direction of the flames. Campbell wasted no time. He ran to his wagon and hitched up his horse, covering its eyes to keep it from seeing the terrifying flames and bolting. Together they galloped up to Water Street to Scoullar's and loaded up as many crates of dynamite as they could fit. Hopping back on the wagon, Campbell ushered his blinded horse down the chaotic street, swerving crazily to avoid hitting panicked people running every which way. All the time showers of sparks rained down on him and his volatile cargo. Vancouver's surgeon Dr. McGuigan had ignored all the shouting and settled down in the Sunnyside Hotel for a relaxing Sunday nap. Suddenly his friend John Blake burst into the room: "What in the world are you doing! The town is burning down all around us! The roof next door is on fire! Get your stuff packed as quickly as you can or you'll be burned right here with your boots on!"xx10 McGuigan blinked disbelievingly at Blake for a moment and was about to open his mouth to say something when, as if in answer to his question, the roof suddenly caved in and flames burst through the ceiling, showering the two in sparks and burning splinters. McGuigan was now fully awake and leapt to his feet. Making for the exit, he ran for his office to grab his doctor's instruments—they were sure to come in useful in the days ahead.