When Fire Company 15 arrived at the John E. Hurst & Company building, they did not think much of the fire. Upon examining the buildings alarm system, the fire appeared to be coming from the basement. Shortly after entering the building, fire fighters entered noticed black smoking coming up from the basement through the elevator shaft. Soon there was a huge explosion coming from the upper floors. This explosion was so intense it blew off the roof, broke many windows, and spewed burning embers on surrounding buildings.


Photo from Enoch Pratt Free Library

The fire initially spread north east towards city hall and court house, due to the southwest blowing winds. All of Baltimore City Fire Fighters were in full force fighting the fires. By 1:30pm, Washington DC fire fighters showed up to assist in putting out the fire. Unfortunately, this was before standardized parts and their couplings did not fit into Baltimore fire hydrants. DC fire fighters wrapped the couplings in cloth so they could attach to the hydrants. But, this made them much less productive. Fire companies that came from other areas had similar problems. There were over 600 different types of fire hose couplings used through out America at this time.

How it all started

Map of Baltimore during 1904. Fire started in the upper right hand corner of highlighted area.


























It all started Sunday, February 7, 1904. At 10:55 am, there was an explosion at the John E. Hurst & Company. John E. Hurst & Company was an importer and wholesaler of dry goods and notions, located in the middle of Hopkins Place and Liberty Street.




























Modern Day View of Hopkins Place & Liberty Street

Courtesy of Enoch Pratt Free Library

Within hours of the explosion, the fire spread to many of the surrounding buildings. Two of Baltimore’s Fire Companies rushed to the scene. Upon assessing the situation, Chief Engineer George Horton called all Fire Companies to Downtown Baltimore. He, also, sent a telegraph to Washington D.C. say “Desperate fire here. Must have help at once.”

Hopkins Savings Bank, located just north of John E. Hurst & Company

Courtesy of Enoch Pratt Free Library

Not Enough Free Time

I have been bogged down with mid-terms, papers and work at The Loading Dock. On Tuesday, my AmeriCorps team heads off and I will have much more time. Once they leave, I plan to take a nap, then start typing a description of the Baltimore fire.