Forney, Tex., Feb. 25 - Three men were burned to death and $25,000 worth of property destroyed by fire here at an early hour yesterday. One body, burned beyond recognition, was recovered. Search for the other two continues tonight. Starting in the City Hotel, a two-story brick structure, the flames gained such headway that those guests who escaped were forced to jump from their windows. Several narrowly escaped. Despite heroic efforts of the citizens the fire spread rapidly and soon near-by buildings were aflame. The losses are partly covered by insurance.

The dead:
A.R. Earnest of Fort Worth.
M.E. Powell of Kemp.
Roy Farmer of Forney.

Fire Disastrous

It was the most disastrous fire in the history of Forney. It has been the subject of comment that Forney has escaped fire luckily.

It is thought there is no doubt but that A.R. Earnest, working for a land company in Fort Worth, his home being at Colorado, Texas; M.E. Powell of Kemp, Texas, and Roy Farmer of Forney were burned to death. Their bodies have not been recovered, although a large crew of men has been working in the ruins all day. They went to bed there last night and have not been seen since.

Several narrow escapes were made. J.T. Frazier, a traveling man, and Elmer Bagley jumped from the two-story window in their night clothes and were badly bruised and their clothing scorched. S.N. Cooper made his escape by way of a roof and down a tree. Others had narrow escapes.