Fire in Caronis

From the Furyondy Beacon
16th Day of Fireseek, CY 592

In the early morning hours yesterday, an intense fire ripped through the industrial district of Caronis.  Many of the morning work shifts had just arrived for the day, and several people are missing and presumed dead.  An early report of casualties stands at 33 dead with over one hundred injuries.

Before containment measures were effected, several buildings were destroyed.  The major businesses included Jonvar Textiles, Allison Boats and Barton Iron Works.  Initial reports said that the devastation was total.  Investigators believe that a series of explosions occurred at Barton, and the conflagration spread to the surrounding area within a matter of minutes.  The intensity of the fire hindered rescue efforts and kept firemen out of the area for over two hours.  The fire marshall, John Henry, said that arson has not been ruled out.  

Barton is the premier iron works in Furyondy, and it is well known for its low point iron smelting.  Allison Boats is known from Mitrik to Greyhawk as a top tier producer of river craft and large vessel keels.

A representative of the duke gave the following statement, “This is a tragic loss of life, and the economic impact will be felt for years.  If this was the work of vandals, we will use every available resource to track them down.”

Rethgon Stromburrow, head of Carnalion Mines, said, “Barton was the main client for our cold ore, and they supply markets all around the Flanaess.  Obviously, this is a setback, but we expect to have replacement forges ready within six to eight months.”