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, October 7, 2019

BILLINGS REFINERY - 1935


Photo: Western Heritage Center

On July 26, 1935, a fire and explosion at the Yale Oil Co. refinery near Billings, Montana, killed four people and injured five others, according to the Billings Gazette. 

A welding torch ignited fumes in an empty railroad tank car.

Firefighter Lucien B. Smith lost his brother, Leon, in the blaze, the Gazette said. It was Firefighter Smith's first fire - and his brother's last.

Tragedy knows no boundaries.
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