Fire Buffs promote the general welfare of the fire and rescue service and protect its heritage and history. Famous Fire Buffs through the years include New York Fire Surgeon Harry Archer, Boston Pops Conductor Arthur Fiedler, New York Mayor Fiorello LaGuardia and - legend has it - President George Washington.

Monday, August 26, 2019

CHINATOWN - 1925


Water tower up!

On Dec. 28, 1925, a five-alarm fire struck the George J. Mueller Candy Co. at 336 Pennsylvania Ave., Northwest, in Washington's Chinatown.

The Washington Post said:

"The much-maligned water tower, which has failed at so many big fires, was given credit for checking the fire. The tower was lofted to a position directly in front of the blaze.

"For an hour it hurled water into the building, the stream being pumped by four engines."