Worst day in CFD history

[grumpy grizzly]

This is the worst date in Chicago Fire Dept history. On this date in 1910 21 Chicago FF's including the Chief of Deptartment were killed in a massive collapse at the Chicago Stockyards. Fire was reported at 4:09AM, with in the hour it was a 4 alarm fire, before being under control 50 engines and 9 trucks were involved. This was politics at its worst, the owners of the stockyars had the hydrants shut off to prevent freezing. In addition, FF were hampered by the placement of box cars, they had only one point of egress. No ventilation, there was a massive backdraft which caused the collapse, all members were buried under the rubble. It took the better part of the next day to recover all of the members. Today OSHA would have a field day with multiple serious violations. Ironically and sadly last year two members lost their lives in the collapse of a vacant builing with a truss roof. Members were at the monument dedicated to all CFD members who have paid the ultimate price when the job came in, escallated to a 2-11 and then a 3-11. The monument is @ 4200 S> Peoria, which is 4200 South and 900 West. Also on this date two other Chicago FF's lost their lives but I have no info. May these, and all members Rest In Peace, thank you for your Service and your Devotion to Duty. Between you guys, the 343 from 9/11, the BFD Vendome, well Heaven must be a really safe place.