July 3, 1900: HOBOKEN, NJ - The fire department was still mopping up from the devastating fire that swept numerous ships and piers along the waterfront on June 3, when more than 145 persons perished after a blaze broke out in a tenement on Adams Street. The fast-spreading fire took the lives of five people, with one child unaccounted for.
July 4, 1900: PHILADELPHIA - A young boy fired a blank cartridge into a large collection of fireworks, setting off a massive explosion. The accident occurred in front of a bake shop on Eighth Street. The explosion took the lives of seven children and injured 30 others, three of whom were critical.
July 5, 1900: BAYONNE, NJ - A major fire broke out in the Standard Oil Company's works at Constable Hook just after midnight. Bayonne firemen soon joined the yard's fire team as the flames spread from tank to tank. The blaze was battled for 70 hours and damaged or destroyed 25 tanks and numerous structures.
July 7, 1900: NEWARK, NJ - Flames tore through a row of wood buildings belonging to a slaughterhouse company in the Kearny Meadows. Firemen from Harrison, Kearny, Arlington and East Newark battled the blaze as it extended to five three-story buildings.
July 7, 1900: A major heat wave that had been gripping most of the northeast portion of the country was broken by several large and powerful electrical storms. Lightning was responsible for fires in a church in NEWARK, NJ; a building in HICKSVILLE, NY; a barn and building in BARNUM'S ISLAND, NY; an inn and a church in YONKERS, NY; and a large building on the State Fair grounds in TRENTON, NJ.
July 9, 1900: LIVERPOOL, England - A major fire fueled by stores of palm oil blazed along the Liverpool docks and spread to three ships docked nearby. Firemen battled the flames and pulled the ships clear.
July 24, 1900: BUFFALO, NY - A huge fire engulfed the Eastern Elevator located on an island across from the foot of Washington Street. Firemen directed their efforts on saving oils tanks adjacent to the elevator. Estimates put the damage at approximately $750,000.
Time Capsule
July 7, 1900: PITTSBURGH
The second major fire in a week struck the city's downtown section. The blaze began in the basement of T.G. Evans & Co. on Fifth Avenue and spread throughout the building. During overhaul, a collapse occurred, trapping numerous firemen. For several hours, other firemen conducted an extremely dangerous rescue operation using powerful jacks to free the trapped men. Four members of the department - John Griffin and St. Clair Crawford, both of Engine 4, and Max Butterbaugh and John Lewis of Engine 11 - were killed. Six others were rescued and were listed in serious condition.
Centennial Celebrations
The Prescott, AZ, Fire Department will host a re-enactment of the "Great Fire of 1900" on July 15. The fire, which swept across four blocks, was caused by an unattended miner's candle and destroyed two banks, 12 hotels, 20 general mercantile houses and 59 homes. The event will include the re-enactment and the history of the fire and a display of antique fire apparatus.
The Bellmawr, NJ, Fire Department marks its 100th Anniversary with an open house and parade on July 22. The department is only minutes from Philadelphia and operates with two engines, one ladder and one heavy rescue.
Compiled by PAUL HASHAGEN
