Aug. 2, 1900: FAIRFIELD, MD - The large complex of the Baltimore Chrome Company was destroyed by a nighttime blaze. The loss was estimated at $600,000.
Aug. 2, 1900: BUFFALO, NY - An early-morning fire swept through seven commercial buildings. Two members of Engine Company 1, Captain Charles Besancon and Fireman R.A. Reid, were injured during the battle. The officer was said to be in serious condition.
Aug. 4, 1900: ASHLAND, WI - A million-dollar blaze tore through the city's lumber district. For three hours, firemen battled the wall of flames when the wind suddenly shifted. Firemen massed ready to defend the city as the fire bore down on them. A bucket brigade was formed to wet down the nozzle teams as a stand was made. Another wind shift helped stop the extending flames.
Aug. 6, 1900: YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK - Flames marched through the vast timber area between Tupper Geyser Basin and Yellowstone Lake. The extending fire front was estimated at 10 miles long.
Aug. 10, 1900: PARIS - The Hotel des Terrasses was destroyed by an afternoon fire. Many American tourists were left without lodging, but no injuries were reported. One American woman was rescued over a ladder that was bridged between the fire building and the adjoining casino.
Aug. 11, 1900: BROOKLYN, NY - Four alarms were transmitted for a fire that broke out in a printing company at Plymouth and Washington streets. The fire spread to a stable, but was held as flames threatened a chemical company and a lithographic plant.
AUG. 12, 1900: GLENS FALLS, NY - A fire that originated in the workroom of a shirt manufacturer spread to the electric and gas building. Flames then extended to the Central House, the Park Hotel, and a music hall, blacksmith shop and several other buildings.
Aug. 16, 1900: NEW YORK CITY - A two-alarm fire on West 48th Street had fire companies converging on a blazing five-story apartment building. During its responses, Engine Company 65 collided with an Eighth Avenue trolley car. One fire horse was slightly injured and removed from the team, which continued responding to the scene.
Aug. 19, 1900: ALEXANDRIA, IN - The entire plant of the Kelly Axe Manufacturing Company was destroyed during a late-night fire. The plant was the largest axe factory in the world, employing some 1,000 men. Forcible entry was not a problem.
Time Capsule
Aug. 12, 1900 - ASBURY PARK, NJ: EXPLOSION TRIGGERS A CONFLAGRATION
An oil stove explosion in a cottage on Emery Street was soon raging out of control. The flames jumped from cottage to another until five were ablaze. The entire Asbury Park Fire Department went to work as fire extended to the Park Opera House. Mutual aid was requested from the Ocean Grove Fire Department.
The reinforced firefighters were able to stop the fire from extending beyond the opera house and the cottages. Three members of the Fire Department, George Houghton, Milan Ross and Charles Ward were seriously injured during the blaze. It was said to be the worst fire the city had ever suffered.
Compiled by PAUL HASHAGEN
