In this months column, I present historic fires or significant events in the fire service from February 1917. A reminder: Readers are encouraged to share information horn their departments. February 2, 1917: Chicago, Illinois: More than 30 people were buried when two three-story buildings collapsed as the result of a gas explosion at 811 West 14th Street. The fire department arrived and began to battle the fire within the shattered ruins of the building. The explosion had such force that pieces of glass were imbedded in homes more than a block away. One hundred men worked overnight within the smoldering, ice-covered ruins digging for survivors. In all, 10 people were killed and more than 13 were injured.
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