Fire Buffs promote the general welfare of the fire and rescue service and protect its heritage and history. Famous Fire Buffs through the years include New York Fire Surgeon Harry Archer, Boston Pops Conductor Arthur Fiedler, New York Mayor Fiorello LaGuardia and - legend has it - President George Washington.

Saturday, March 12, 2016

CARDINAL MINE - 1925


On Dec. 4-5, 1925, Denver firefighters helped rescue 32 miners trapped by a fire at the Fairview Mining Co. gold, silver and led mine located near Nederland.

The City of Bolder also sent firefighters to the Cardinal Mine camp in Boulder County.

Hampered by three feet of snow and winds reaching 40 MPH, rescue crews drilled an emergency mine through "40 feet of rock and earth."

The fire started in a compressor room. A wall of flames burned timbers at the mine's entrance, blocking access.

Miner William Bryant (or Billy Bryce) was burned when he attempted to enter the portal.

The miners were working at the 800-foot level when the fire broke out.

Rescuers faced harsh conditions and m
any took a beating.

John Crenshaw (sic), a Denver fire captain, was seriously overcome by fumes, Denver Fire Chief John Healy said.

Clarence Jansen, a Denver fire lieutenant, was pulled to the surface in a "semi-conscious state" after he had given his gas mask to the crippled fire captain.

Donning smoke masks, the Boulder firefighters entered the main entrance to battle the flames.

"Pulomotors," a forerunner of today's resuscitation equipment, were "held in readiness" for the trapped miners, and a temporary hospital was established at a bunkhouse.

Half of the trapped miners were brought out unconscious.

The others walked out with assistance.

Editor's Note: This story is based on Associated Press dispatches printed in The Spokesman-Review of Spokane, Washington, the Prescott Evening Courier of Arizona, the Telegraph-Herald of Dubuque, Iowa, and The Evening Record of Ellensburg, Washington.

See also Longmont Daily Times

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