Artist's rendering courtesy of The Vendome Memorial Fund The Vendome monument will be dedicated on June 17, 1997, the 25th anniversary of the fire.
Once the fire was out, the Boston Fire Department commenced a routine overhaul operation. Then, at 2:58 P.M., without warning, the southeast section of the building collapsed.
More than any other event in the 300-year history of the Boston Fire Department, the Vendome tragedy exemplifies the risk intrinsic to the firefighting profession and the accompanying courage required in the performance of duty. Nine firefighters were killed on that day, eight more injured; eight women widowed, 25 children lost their fathers; a shocked city mourned before the sympathetic eyes of the entire nation.
The Vendome Memorial Fund was established to perpetuate the memory of those nine Boston firefighters, to honor their descendants and to recognize the noble efforts of all members, past and present, and future of the Boston Fire Department.
A monument will be unveiled on June 17, 1997, at the site of the fire in memory of the nine who answered their last alarm on that day 25 years ago. Contributions to support the project may be sent to:
The Vendome Memorial Fund
Boston Fire Department
Headquarters
115 Southampton St.
Boston, MA 02118
News photo courtesy of Bill Noonan collection The fire and building collapse at the Hotel Vendome resulted in the largest loss of life to Boston firefighters in the department's history.
News photo courtesy of Bill Noonan collection Many firefighters who survived the collapse reported the sensation of riding down floor sections. All five floors of the southeast section of the building collapsed, bringing down firefighters with tons of rubble and debris. Rescue efforts continued well into the night.
