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.

Sunday, April 12, 2020

DOWNTOWN DENVER

Barnett Building - 1932


Downtown Denver was primed fire in the early 20th Century, owning to antiquated building design, primitive fire protection systems and factories intertwined with hotels and other businesses.

On Feb. 17, 1932, fire broke out at the Barnett Building at 16th and Larimer streets in downtown Denver. 

Six firefighters and a watchman suffered burns and smoke inhalation in harsh conditions. Frozen hose spray glazed streets, trolley lines and fire crews while flames roared from above.

The top floors were engulfed.

"Fire Chief Healy, veteran smoke eater and one of the best known firefighters in the country, narrowly escaped death," the Associated Press reported in that day's Evening Gazette of Berkeley, California.

Among other blazes:

- On May 22, 1901, fire destroyed the Eaton-Ritchell Company, a tinware factory and warehouse occupying half a block at 15th and Wynkoop streets, according to The New York Times.

- On March 15, 1906, fire struck the Flint-Lomax Electric Manufacturing Company, 14th and Wynkoop streets, the Salida Mail reported.

- On Feb 9, 1907, a late night fire broke out at the Club Building on Arapahoe Street with the flames confined to a Denver skirt company on the sixth floor of the eight-story building, according to the Aspen Times.

- On May 30, 1910, fire gutted the fourth and fifth floors of the Spratlen-Anderson grocery wholesalers at 1638 Fifteenth St.

- On July 8,1927, an early morning fire damaged the Broadway Theatre in Denver, the Longmont Times reported. The blaze started in the properties room and spread to the curtain loft before it was stopped. The adjacent Cosmopolitan Hotel sustained smoke damage.

- On March 19, 1928, Colorado House, one of the city's oldest hotels, was "partially destroyed" by fire, according to the Associated Press. Several people jumped from windows.


- On Sept. 6, 1928, a general alarm fire consumed to Loop Market block in downtown Denver, the Associated Press reported. Twelve firefighters suffered injuries and 10 others received oxygen at the scene.

RUNS & WORKERS

On Sept, 18, 1978, fire gutted F.J. LeGrue & Co., a florist, on South Broadway, Denver. 


Photo
: Greeley Fire Dept.

Island Grove grandstand, Greeley - 1977



Photo
: Poudre Valley Fire Authority

Fire in downtown Fort Collins, circa 1970s or 1980s


Photo: Poudre Valley Fire Authority
Fire in downtown Fort Collins, circa 1970s or 1980s


16th Street, Cheyenne, Wyoming, date unknown.



Cheyenne High School, Aug. 6, 1963.