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.

Tuesday, September 24, 2019

PUEBLO HIGH SCHOOL - 1917


On Feb. 26, 1917, fire gutted Pueblo Central High School, toppling the western wall.

Firefighters were forced out when flames overtook the stairwells and battled the blaze from ladders set on slushy snow. 
The high school had open hallways and no fire stops along the roof, allowing the fire to rage. 

The Pueblo Chieftain newspaper said the fire broke out on the 
fourth floor along Orman Avenue and spread to a new addition, which included an auditorium.

Fire Chief Sam Christy "was obliged to use all engine streams, the pressure at the hydrants being only 40 pounds and the nearest plugs requiring not less than 500 feet of hose," according to the magazine Fire Engineering. "He used seven engine streams, having 3,100 feet of hose in use, one length bursting." 

The following apparatus attended the fire, according to the magazine:

1 Metropolitan pumping engine
1 Victor motor pumping engine
3 combination hose and chemical wagons
2 two LaFrance hose and chemical wagons
1 75-foot aerial ladder truck.

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