St John's Great Fire Mural

wise words, but education is important

Chicago isn't the only major city with a great fire story to tell, the Great Fire of 1892 is depicted on McBride's Hill and is 21 metres long. It was completed in 2017 by artist Julie Lewis.  If you click on  the link there is even a video showing her at work.

The Great Fire started on the evening of July 8, 1892, in a stable at the top of Carter's Hill, on the north side of the St. John's harbour.  Within just a few hours, flames were barrelling down the hill, destroying homes, stores and warehouses. Hot dry weather conditions and strong winds further compounded the situation. By morning 11,000 people were homeless and left with little more than the clothes they were wearing when they fled their burning homes. Only 3 people died as a result of the disaster but more than two thirds of St. John's was in ruins.

Although a 113,650-litre water tank was located just metres from the stable, it was almost empty because firefighters had forgotten to refill it after a recent practice drill. The fire prompted government officials to restructure the city's fire departments and to provide firefighters with better training and equipment.

Here's a video on YouTube about the fire.  I especially like the bit at the end talking about St. John's after the rebuilding and the artchitectural story that lives on.

Linking up to Monday Mural.