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.

Monday, July 11, 2016

CHEMISTRY BUILDING - 1921


Photo: Colorado State University archives

On Dec. 22, 1921, fire destroyed the chemistry building at Colorado State University in Fort Collins as  l
ow water pressure prevented firefighters from attacking the blaze.


The building was in flames when the alarmed was turned in from Box 81 at Laurel and College avenues at 2:30 a.m. "sharp" by C.M. Cooksie, a member of the Alpha Psi fraternity, the Fort Collins Courier reported.

All that was left was "a mass of smoldering ruins," the newspaper said.