Jan. 2, 1901: BROOKLYN, NY - Driver Franklin Ferguson of Engine Company 105 was responding to an alarm and had his team at a full gallop. Near the corner of Fulton and Orange streets, he was suddenly confronted with a trolley car filled with passengers. His only alternative to avoid the crash was to drive his team up onto the sidewalk. The horses and driver then plunged through a plate-glass store window. One horse broke its leg and was later destroyed, the second horse was badly cut, and luckily the driver only received cuts and bruises. No other injuries were reported.
Jan. 3, 1901: NEWARK, NJ - Herman Henke, the driver of Truck No. 4, distinguished himself for his prompt and daring turnout. An alarm came in while he was taking a bath on the third floor of the firehouse. He promptly slid down the pole, au naturel, then jumped up into the driver's seat and donned his rubber coat. In a flash, he and the company were on their way. Despite his wet hair and exposed skin that was beginning to freeze, he accomplished his mission and delivered his rig to the fire scene. Shortly after the flames were stilled he was given clothing to help warm and cover him.
Jan. 6, 1901: JACKSONVILLE, FL - The expensive home of W.C. Carnegie on Cumberland Island was destroyed during an afternoon fire. The owner was on his golf course when the fire was discovered. He quickly returned to the mansion, but could only watch as flames consumed the structure. The loss was estimated at $75,000.
Jan. 12, 1901: CHICAGO - Six people were crushed to death, several others were seriously injured and three were missing as the result of a panic caused by the cry of "Fire!" in the crowded Turner Hall on West 12th Street. Arriving firemen could do little but carry out the dead and injured.
Jan. 22, 1901: CINCINNATI - Only the outer walls of the Opera House were left standing after fire swept through the huge structure. Smoke was discovered during a packed-house performance of "Hamlet." The entire audience calmly exited the theater as fire spread from a furnace beneath the stage. Firemen struggled with the large fire and were able to hold it the original building.
Jan. 24, 1901: MONTREAL - The entire fire department was called out for a blaze in a wholesale clothing store at the corner of Lemoine and St. Peter streets. Large crowds hampered the firemen's efforts and the blaze was soon out of control. Handlines and water towers were used as firemen braved extreme heat and toppling walls. Numerous structures and dozens of businesses were destroyed.
Time Capsule
JAN. 8, 1901 - ROCHESTER, NY: A NIGHT OF DISASTERS
This night would have disastrous consequences for the firemen and citizens of the city.
An early-morning fire destroyed the nitrate building of the Eastman Kodak Company on West Side Boulevard. Burning chemicals took their toll on firemen - two were killed and the fumes critically injured a third. Shortly after this smoky blaze, an explosion and fire tore through the Rochester Orphan Asylum, killing 28 people, including 26 children ranging in age from 2 to 14.
A school nurse who quickly transmitted an alarm discovered the fire a few minutes after 1 o'clock. As firemen raced to the scene, a boiler exploded, causing serious damage to the structure, blocking exits and trapping many children. Neighbors and firemen then attempted to rescue children from the flames.
Defying tremendous heat and severe structural damage, firemen continued attempting to make rescues. Fireman Morris Keating worked his way to the roof with a ladder to rescue a woman and several children. As he reached the top of the ladder, a stream of water was directed near him to push back the flames. He reached up for the woman, but she jumped at him and knocked him from the ladder. The woman died and Keating was critically injured.
Compiled by Paul Hashagen
