Page:Popular Science Monthly Volume 88.djvu/32

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A Parapet of Sand to Check the Flames


image of the fire

The first precaution against the spread of the flames was the erection of a retaining wall of sand and dirt which completely surrounded the burning area. The earth itself seemed ablaze, for the oil continued to seep through the soaked ground and furnished new fuel for the flames. Twenty five hundred men and thousands of dollars worth of equipment were employed during the four months