Calgary Fire of 1886

Calgary as it appeared c. 1885

The Calgary Fire of 1886 occurred on Sunday, November 7, 1886. The fire began at the rear wall of the local flour and feed store, and spread through the community's wooden structures. The recently organized Calgary Fire Department successfully used the recently ordered but not yet paid for chemical engine.[1] Ultimately, fourteen buildings were destroyed or razed in attempts to control the blaze. Losses were estimated at $103,200, however no one was killed or injured. Authorities suggested arson may have been involved, but no arrests were made.[2]

To reduce the potential for future fires, city officials drafted a law that all large downtown buildings were to be built with Paskapoo sandstone.[3]

See also

References

  1. ↑ Ward, Tom (1975). Cowtown : an album of early Calgary. Calgary: City of Calgary Electric System, McClelland and Stewart West. p. 255. ISBN 0-7712-1012-4.
  2. ↑ "The Great Fire of 1886". Retrieved 2013-03-06.
  3. ↑ "The Sandstone City". 2002-11-21. Archived from the original on August 13, 2011. Retrieved 2013-03-06.
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