The Great San Francisco Fire of 1906

Natural disasters are always life-changing events. Some are more remembered than others. One such event was the great San Francisco Earthquake and Fire. As if the earthquake itself wasn't enough, hundreds died in the great fire that erupted and burned for four days and cost an estimated $500 million in early 20th century dollars.

On the morning of April 18, 1906, at 5:25 am, there was a small quake that was felt throughout all of the Bay area. About 25 seconds later, an estimated 8.3 earthquake struck the city, with devastating affect. Buildings crumbled, street tore open like gaping mouths and cries filled the air.

City Hall after the quake

Once the shaking stopped, the real terror began: the fires. It spread from building to building without mercy; poorly constructed wooden fixtures collapsed. People were trapped inside with no means of escape. The streets literally liquefied and collapsed. There was nowhere to run.

Market Street

The fire department was ill-equipped to fight the blaze. A few firemen fought the blaze with knapsacks, brooms and a fraction of water from an operating hydrant at 20th and Church.

The fire spread over the next four days. On 395 Hayes Street, the "Ham and Egg" fie would break out, destroying part of the Western Addition, the Mechanics' Pavilion and City Hall. It then jumped to Market Street where the Winchester Hotel caught fire and collapsed.

The Hearst Building at Third and Market streets became emblazoned and collapsed. At first the wounded were sent to the Mechanics' Pavillion, but when the fire approached they were evacuated. The same happened at St. Mary's Hospital. Shortly thereafter, the entire Financial District caught fire and began to burn.

Postal Telegraph operators transmitted their last message to the outside world as army troops ordered them from the building at 534 Market St., opposite Second St., at 2:20 p.m. because of the approaching fire.

Mayor Schmitz was confident that downtown could be saved, but fire broke out at the Delmonica Restaurant in the Alcazar Theatre Building. It turned to downtown and Nob Hill.

As the fire department began to dynamite buildings to stop the blaze, all they did was keep it spreading. In the end, they never put out the fire. It simply burned itself out. The estimated damage was $500 million dollars and the death toll was estimated at 1000. Three-quarters of San Francisco had burned to the ground.