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.

Tuesday, January 17, 2023

SPOT TAVERN - 1962

Photo: Private collection

On July 28, 1962, three Arlington County firefighters were injured in a two-alarm fire at the Spot Tavern.

The midnight fire - the third in less than a month at the tavern - broke out in a basement men’s room of the two-story frame structure, which also housed an apartment and six rented rooms.

Ray Evans, then deputy chief of the Clarendon Volunteer Fire Department, was among those injured and was admitted to Arlington Hospital, according to The Washington Post. A roomer was also injured in the fire.

The Spot Tavern was located at 1200 North Fort Myer Drive.

WORKING FIRE IN ARLINGTON - 1960s

Photo: Private collection
All hands operating at fire at commercial building in Arlington County - believed to be on Washington Boulevard - in early 1960s.

KICKING THE TIRES - 2013

 
Photo: DVIDS
On Aug. 9, 2013, Firefighter Mike Jackson (left) and Capt. Roger Rearden (right) put a new arrival to the test at Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall in Arlington County, Virginia.

HELPING HANDS - 2016

 

Photo: DVIDS
Members of Virginia National Guard Company F, 429th Brigade Support Battalion, 116th Infantry Brigade Combat Team assist Arlington County Fire Department medic unit navigating heavy snow in Rosslyn on Jan. 23, 2016.

MURPHY'S FIVE AND DIME - 1968



Photo: Private collection
On Oct. 23, 1968, flames gutted Murphy's Five and Dime Store in the Clarendon district of Arlington County, Virginia. The blaze was discovered by the crew of Wagon 4 on their return from an alarm at Bergman's Laundry.