S. E. wind changed to South, very strong, and a fire broke out on hills south of John Carr’s and burnt their hay, a Shed and 10 calves. It is chilly in the wind. I went with Thomas, Lemoyne and Will to the store, and the members of Sioux Association had a meeting at the hall, so I went. Then the fire broke out, and we all went to it. I stayed at Ed’s with Alvina Giroux Foss, Charlotte and Yvonne, and the fire was put out east of Ed’s place, so Will, Harry and Lee came for me. Then we got Thomas with Tom west of Keopps, where it was out, also, then went all around the burnt place in Carr’s pasture to find Lemoyne on tractor with Frank Snyder, and he was at John Carr’s, went home with Tom, brought him to Road at N. E. Corner of Eds, and we came to store. Harry got his car, and no lights, so Will took him and Lee home. Thomas and Lemoyne chored, and I got supper. Will and Mr. Chauncey worked at Shed, and after choring, boys helped. Mr. Chauncey went to fire also. I mopped and got meals.
in Misc. Diary Entry
March 21, 1936: Fire Was Put Out East of Ed’s Place
~ Hidden Timber, South Dakota
Most electrical fires result from problems with “fixed wiring” such as faulty electrical outlets and old wiring. Problems with cords and plugs, such as extension and appliance cords, also cause many home electrical fires.
Thanks very much for the information. That makes sense, given how many people probably did their own wiring and repairs.