NEWSPAPER ARTICLE FROM SONORA NEWSPAPER IN 1918
One House Destroyed and Another Damaged 

At the hour of 11:30 Wednesday morning inhabitants of the southern section of the city were aroused by the blowing of the whistle at the Standard factory and ringing of the bells. The sounds heralded that a fire was in that neighborhood. And there was no mistake.  A dense column of smoke ascending into the atmosphere and leaping flames gave evidence that the home of W.H. Larson was going to waste in ashes. 

The blaze originated between the ceiling of the attic rooms and roof.  There had been no fire in the house since the morning meal.  As the stove pipe was enclosed in terra cotta, it is a mere speculation as to what was the origin.  First evidence of the danger was conveyed to Mrs. Larson by a smell of smoke.  Going up the inside stairs and opening the door, she was almost suffocated by the blast of smoke striking her face.  Rushing outside she beheld the entire roof in flames.  Realizing the destruction going on, she at once made frantic efforts to rescue household goods.  The organ and a few small articles were saved.

Within range of the fire on the north was the large residence recently purchased from Mrs. Ella Kleineke by Eric J. Segerstrom.  Before the fire apparatus had reached the zone of destruction the home of Mr. Larson was a furnace of fire and flames and consuming the Segerstrom home.  One end was almost consumed, portion of a side and the fire had penetrated beneath the roof.  While hope of saving it was expiring in the minds of onlookers, the fire ladies appeared and the streams from the high pressure hydrant began the battle.  It was an even chance for victory for either for several minutes, then the water began its dominance and the flames began to yield.  However damages will easily reach $1000.  Every piece of furniture and equipment had been moved from the building.

The entire force of some 250 men at the Standard factory were sent to the scene and in an incredibly short time they had every piece of furniture out of the Segerstrom home.  Mr. Segerstrom had $2000 insurance on this house and $1000 on the furniture.