On May 13, 1909, the United Press wire service reported: "A big fire is raging in Alexandria, Va., just across the river from Washington. It started in the lumber yards of Smoot & Co., and spread to H. K. Fields lumber yard. At noon the fire is still burning over three blocks and at that time loss was estimated at half a million dollars. The Washington fire department was appealed to for assistance and sent engines to the scene." Smoot was located on Cameron Street, stretching from Lee to Union streets. The fire broke out at 10:30 a.m.