SMOOT LUMBER - 1909

On May 13, 1909, the United Press wire service reported: "A big fire is raging in Alexandria, Va., just across the river from Washington. It started in the lumber yards of Smoot & Co., and spread to H. K. Fields lumber yard. At noon the fire is still burning over three blocks and at that time loss was estimated at half a million dollars. The Washington fire department was appealed to for assistance and sent engines to the scene." Smoot was located on Cameron Street, stretching from Lee to Union streets. The fire broke out at 10:30 a.m.

INK TO WEB

The Arlington Fire Journal debuted in 1999 as a traditional staple, ink and paper newsletter and provided coverage of the Sept. 11, 2001 attack on the Pentagon.

Each edition was hand-delivered to the county's ten fire station as well as the federal fire station at Fort Myer, and distributed at meetings of the Arlington County Fire & Rescue Association. Copies were also delivered to the Central Library.

The Fire Journal shifted to the web a few years later and expanded historical research to neighboring communities.

Retired Battalion Chief James Fought and senior volunteer Harold LeRoy, both of Arlington County, provided inspiration for the project. They are gone now but not forgotten.  

Fire department volunteers Donald "Rudy" Rudolph and Kim Rudolph also provided valuable assistance at the start as did Chief Fought's daughter, Betty, and retired career firefighter Frank Higgins who spent many years at Fire Station No. 7.  

JEFFERSON DISTRICT

Jefferson District (now Crystal City) Fire Chief Birtrun Kidwell and his company in 1930s or early 1940s. Photos courtesy of Ed Kidwell with technical assistance of Sam Del Giudice.

Lucille Kidwell (far right) and Jefferson District Auxiliary

Jefferson District Rescue Squad

Rescue Squad crew donning breathing apparatus

Jefferson District fleet

Chief Kidwell and Jefferson District engines