During the early 1870's there was no legal requirement for architects and builders in Boston USA to adhere to building codes. Codes and minimum building standards were available but they were suggestions and rarely enforced.
Like the Fire of London 206 years before, the Great Fire of Boston was to prove difficult to fight as the ornate buildings were several stories high and the streets were narrow. This made it almost impossible for the fire fighters to combat the blaze efficiently from ladders that were too short to reach the upper stories of the buildings.
The devastation caused by the fire was exasperated by a series of events, which on their own would have been difficult to overcome, but together these events made the effects of the fire much worse.
Fire Breaks Out in Boston
The exact cause of the fire is unknown. However, it is known that the fire started just after 7pm on Saturday November 9 1872 in the basement of a five-story building which was being used as a warehouse. The structure was imposing and had a commanding position, standing on the corner of Kingston Street and Summer Street.
Very quickly the fire engulfed the five-story building and it wasn't long before it had started to spread along the roof to the adjoining buildings.
Fire Chief, Jim Damrell
The man in charge of fighting the fire was fire chief, Jim Damrell. At the time motorised fire engines were a long way off and the fire fighters were reliant on horse-drawn fire vendors.
- Autocom Pro
- Merle Hay Auto Mile
- Riverside Autoplex Mcalester
- Auto Audio Installations London
- Superior Auto Insurance