- Item
- 1908-02-24
Part of Richards Studio Photographs
A large crowd gathered to witness firefighters attempting to put out the flames that engulfed the top floor of the Davis Smith & Co. building at 1754 Pacific Avenue on February 24, 1908. The early morning fire caused $47,000 damage to the building and its contents. The fire was apparently caused by the accidental crossing of electric wires on the five-story brick building's top floor. Lt. George Hill, Engine Co. No. 4, was killed falling from a ladder from the fifth floor. In addition, five other firefighters were injured and six employees suffered burns. Engine Co. No. 5's hose wagon overturned on the way to the fire; injured firefighters righted the wagon and continued to the fire to render assistance. (100 Years of Firefighting in the City of Destiny Tacoma, Washington, p. 44-45)
Tacoma Fire Department (Tacoma); Fire engines & equipment--Tacoma; Fire fighting--Tacoma;