The Most Catastrophic Fires in History
Various theories suggest that the taming and use of fire were crucial to our development as modern humans: fire provided protection, warmth, and the ability to cook food. Scientists have found camp fires in South Africa dating back a million years ago, demonstrating early humans’ ability to control it. Despite the numerous benefits and our long association with it, fire still gets away from us — occasionally with devastating consequences. Nearly every major city in the world has dealt with an uncontrolled burn or explosion, but some stand out more than others. Here is my list of the most catastrophic fires in recorded history.
The Texas City Fire
In 1947, an improperly discarded cigarette started a small fire on a freighter carrying 2,300 tons of ammonium nitrate and caused a massive explosion. The blast was so strong, it leveled 1,000 buildings and killed about 600 people, including all but one member of the Texas City Fire Department. The shock wave was felt 250 miles away in New Orleans and shattered windows in Houston (40 miles away). The thermal wave also caused a chain reaction, igniting the refineries in the area. Industrial reconstruction costs were estimated at $100 million or about the equivalent of $1 billion today. Response to the disaster was delayed since the telephone operators in the city had gone on strike.
Black Dragon Fire of 1987
This is the largest forest fire in recorded history. It began when a Chinese worker accidentally ignited a fire with his brush cutter causing 18 million acres to burn in the Soviet Union and China (an area about the size of South Carolina). The Chinese actively fought the fire within their borders, losing only 3 million acres; the Soviets, however, decided to let it burn uncontrollably and lost 15 acres. After a month, the fire burned itself out — 200 people died, thousands were left homeless, and China lost 1/6 of its forest reserves.
911 World Trade Center Fire
On September 11, 2001, terrorists crashed 2 commercial airliners into the World Trade Center. The ensuing fire caused massive structural collapse, killing over 2,700. The fire loss alone totaled over $33 billion and forever changed American foreign and domestic policy.
Chernobyl Plant Disaster
On April 26, 1986, an explosion and 8-day fire released 400 times more radioactive material than the atomic bombing of Hiroshima. Initially only 31 people died — mostly first responders; however, it is estimated that up to 8,000 cleanup workers later died as a result of exposure. Containment and decontamination cost the Soviet Union 18 billion rubles ($18 billion).
The Bhopal Fire and Gas Leak
In the early morning of December 3, 1984, an explosion and fire at the Union Carbide pesticide plant in Bhopal, India led to the release of at least 30 tons of poisonous gases. Initially about 4,000 people died, many in their sleep, and ultimately about 15,000 deaths were attributed to one of the worst industrial accidents in history. Corporate neglect was cited as the primary cause for the tragedy and seven former employees of Union Carbide have been convicted.
The Fire of Smyrna
September 13–22, 1922. Located on Turkey’s Aegean coast, Smyrna was one of the wealthiest cities in the region. The fire was set by the Greeks and formally ended the Greco-Turkish war, ultimately destroying most of the city and killing approximately 100,000 Turks — about 1/3 of the population.
The Great Fire of Meireki
On March 2, 1657, a priest in Edo (currently Tokyo) accidentally started a fire while ritually burning a kimono. Driven by winds, the fire burned for three days, claiming 100,000 victims and destroying about 65% of the city.
Operation Meeting House 1945
Never underestimate the power of conventional weapons. While the atomic bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki dominate WWII history, firebombing accounted for more civilian deaths in Japan than the A-bombs used a few months later. On March 9, 1945, 330 American war planes rained 2,000 pounds of firebombs on Tokyo using white phosphorous and napalm. About 15 square miles were destroyed, an area half the size of Manhattan. Civilian fatalities were estimated at 130,000. In addition 63% of Tokyo’s commercial area and 18% of its industrial base was destroyed.
Tokyo Fire of 1923
The deadliest fire ever recorded in history occurred in Tokyo. It began as an earthquake with a magnitude of 8.2 on the Richter scale. While people took shelter, numerous fires began around the city. At the same time, typhoon winds hit the city causing wind driven firestorms only to be followed by a tsunami days later. The earthquake ruptured most of the city’s water mains making it impossible for firefighters to extinguish the flames. Approximately 140,000 people died from the combined natural disasters. It is estimated that over 500,000 homes were destroyed and almost 2 million people were left homeless. In an astounding display of resilience, Tokyo rebuilt…only to be torched again during WWII.
#fire #homelandsecurity #catastophic
This story was produced by The Watch in the Homeland Security Publication.
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