NEW YORK CITY: June 2, 1907 - Just after 2 A.M., a fire was discovered aboard the White Star liner Oceanic, which was docked at the foot of the 11th Street pier in Manhattan. Realizing they were unable to control the blaze, the crew alerted the FDNY. Crews on arriving pumpers stretched lines across West Street as two fireboats moved into position. Lines were pushed into the blazing steerage section of the ship and a difficult battle commenced. As dense smoke pushed through the ship, fire made its way between decks. Additional lines were moved into position and the attack continued. The fire was declared under control 45 minutes later.
NORFOLK, VA: June 3, 1907 - An incendiary fire was set on the Government pier at Old Point Comfort during the early-morning hours. Firemen pressed in as flames leaped from shipping offices to freight and passenger houses. The fire was apparently set to cover up a shortage in the United States Express Company. Flames destroyed all the records of this and several other companies as the safe was intentionally left open to the flames.
NEW YORK CITY: June 8, 1907 - With a cannon-like roar, a volley of flames burst from the window on the second floor of a 10-story building at 682 Broadway. The explosive fire began in mid-afternoon in the celluloid-filled building. The flames auto-exposed from floor to floor on the Great Jones Street side of the building. Many women working in the structure were driven back from the fire escapes and found themselves trapped inside with the fire growing beneath them. Forced to windows, some people used standpipe hose to lower themselves hand-over-hand to the ground. Others were saved by four alarms' worth of firemen, who used aerial and portable ladders to perform spectacular rescues.
POUND RIDGE, NY: June 14, 1907 - A wealthy farmer and his wife left their two young children home alone as they traveled to the village. Upon their return, they found their home in ashes and firemen wetting down hot spots. From their positions when found, it appeared that the 3-year-old boy had tried to rescue his little sister by dragging her toward a window. Before firemen arrived, neighbors broke a window and pulled the critically burned boy outside. The children had apparently been playing with matches.
SANTIAGO, CUBA: June 19, 1907 - A disastrous afternoon fire broke out in a tobacco factory and spread quickly. Flames jumped to a wholesale liquor warehouse and threatened to spread throughout the entire waterfront business district. A coal company tugboat started its firefighting pumps, and with its monitor directing a steady stream, moved in toward the building wall of flames. The tug's captain brought the vessel close to the flames as his mate manned the deckpipe. They saved the day in short order.
SIEBENLEHN, GERMANY: June 22, 1907 - Three members of the fire brigade were sentenced the 3½ years in jail for their part in a town council-sponsored arson ring. The plan called for the brigade to burn down specific sections of town, making it "look like they were trying to save it," and thus forcing insurance companies to rebuild with newer and better structures. One of those convicted was the town's former mayor.
NEWARK, NJ: June 3, 1907 - A fire was discovered in a bowling alley on the first floor of the Newark Turnverein athletic club on William Street. Before the fire department could arrive, flames were throughout the entire building. Asleep on the floor above were the building's janitor and his young wife and child. They fled to a small setback, but again found themselves trapped by extreme heat and smoke. Despite the efforts of a fire officer who broke his ankles attempting to jump down to their position, all three perished. Several other firemen were also injured battling the flames.
HARTFORD, CT: June 23, 1907 - Six workmen were killed and 40 were injured when a passenger train that was on the wrong track on the Highland Division of the New York, New Haven and Hartford Railroad crashed into the rear of a work train. Injured victims were pinned in a virtual labyrinth of tangled iron and wood. The wreckage soon caught fire and after quenching the flames, firemen worked heroically with axes and saws to rescue the injured until a squad of 50 railroad wreckers arrived.
PAUL HASHAGEN, a Firehouse contributing editor, is a retired FDNY firefighter who was assigned to Rescue Company 1 in Manhattan. He is also an ex-chief of the Freeport, NY, Fire Department. Hashagen is the author of FDNY 1865-2000: Millennium Book, a history of the New York City Fire Department, and other fire service history books.
