The most deadly fire in Tacoma's history started early Saturday morning on February 17, 1945 at about 2 a.m. when the Maefair Apartments, 721 Fawcett Avenue, burst into flames. At the fire inquest held in March it was determined that 19 people died in the fire. Most of the occupants in the three-story plus basement brick faced structure were war workers, soldiers and their families, including many children. The fire was believed to have been caused by an explosion in the Hamilton Candy Company located in the building's basement. Flying embers were carried by high winds throughout many blocks in the surrounding areas but steady rain and snow flurries helped to protect against new fires. The glare from flames was visible at Browns Point across the bay, bright enough to wake sleepers. Later in the morning of the 17th firemen were still pouring water on the smoldering debris of the gutted building. (T. Times, 2/17/45, p. 1-article; Talbot: 100 Years of Firefighting in the City of Destiny Tacoma, Washington p. 102-104)

Fire fighting--Tacoma--1940-1950; Fire fighters--Tacoma--1940-1950; Fires--Tacoma--1940-1950; Disasters--Tacoma--1940-1950; Maefair Apartments (Tacoma); Apartment houses--Tacoma--1940-1950;

Maefair Apartments' fire. The fire at the Maefair Apartment building claimed the lives of 19 people. The fire is believed to have started in Hamilton's Candy Co., which is located in the basement. An explosion awoke many of the residents, who then immediately escaped the burning building. View of flames from Maefair, fire truck and onlookers (T. Times, 2/17/45, p. 1).

Fire fighting--Tacoma; Fires--Tacoma--1940-1950; Disasters--Tacoma; Maefair Apartments (Tacoma);

The Maefair Apartment fire is the deadliest in Tacoma's history. Before dawn on February 17, 1945 fire broke out in the Hamilton Candy Company at 721 Fawcett Avenue. The fire quickly spread upstairs to the Maefair. By the time the first alarm was received at 2:12 a.m. the building was already engulfed in flames. Twenty two of the buildings 85 occupants died before they could be removed from the burning four-story brick building. (T. Times, 2/17/45, p. 1).

Fire fighting--Tacoma; Fires--Tacoma--1940-1950; Disasters--Tacoma; Maefair Apartments (Tacoma);