Atlantic City Boardwalk Fire

Atlantic City Boardwalk Fire

A fire which occurred at noon on August 20 destroyed twelve shops on the Boardwalk at Atlantic City, N. J., in the Riddle Block, entailing a loss to buildings and stock of $125,198. The flames threatened the Steeplechase pier and the Strand Hotel, a $500,000 structure in the rear of the Riddle block, but the absence of wind and the fireproof structure of the Strand saved it from the danger. The firemen threw a curtain of water at the hotel. The shop buildings destroyed were of wood construction one and two stories high and were filled with expensive laces, East Indian fabrics and embroideries, toys and other inflammable materials. A boy discovered the fire at 12.10 p. m., and a box alarm was sent in at 12.21 p. m., Chief Engineer William J. Black responding. When the apparatus arrived all the buildings involved were on fire. It was under control by 1.30 but continued to burn for six hours. Ninety firemen were engaged in the struggle of confining the flames and eight engines—American-La France and Clapp & Jones—in service. Fourteen 2 1/2-inch and a 5-inch hydrant were available. Fourteen engine streams were thrown. Sufficient water at 40 pounds pressure was obtained from the direct pumping system of the city supply. The mains at that point are six and eight inches. About 6,850 feet of cotton rubberlined hose were used, six lengths of which burst.

A fire which occurred at noon on August 20 destroyed twelve shops on the Boardwalk at Atlantic City, N. J., in the Riddle Block, entailing a loss to buildings and stock of $125,198. The flames threatened the Steeplechase pier and the Strand Hotel, a $500,000 structure in the rear of the Riddle block, but the absence of wind and the fireproof structure of the Strand saved it from the danger. The firemen threw a curtain of water at the hotel. The shop buildings destroyed were of wood construction one and two stories high and were filled with expensive laces, East Indian fabrics and embroideries, toys and other inflammable materials. A boy discovered the fire at 12.10 p. m., and a box alarm was sent in at 12.21 p. m., Chief Engineer William J. Black responding. When the apparatus arrived all the buildings involved were on fire. It was under control by 1.30 but continued to burn for six hours. Ninety firemen were engaged in the struggle of confining the flames and eight engines—American-La France and Clapp & Jones—in service. Fourteen 2 1/2-inch and a 5-inch hydrant were available. Fourteen engine streams were thrown. Sufficient water at 40 pounds pressure was obtained from the direct pumping system of the city supply. The mains at that point are six and eight inches. About 6,850 feet of cotton rubberlined hose were used, six lengths of which burst.