STORY

The fire started in the building occupied by the Crawford-Hollidge Department Store at 141 Tremont Street in Downtown. The fire spread throughout the building with tremondous speed. 31 Engine Companies (29 from Boston, 2 mutual aid) and 6 Ladder Companies battled the fire. This fire became known as the '5 Alarms in 5 Minutes' fire.

The fire occurred on a day when the state Civil Service Board was administering a promotional examination for the rank of captain. Due a recall order issued by the Commmissioner, many Boston firefighters missed the exam due to this fire. The examination was postponed to a later date.

The first alarm on Box 1441 at struck at 0710 hours for a building fire at the corner of Tremont Street and Temple Place, Downtown. The first alarm response was: Engines 4,26,25; Ladders 24,17; Rescue 1; District 3 (chief); Division 1 (chief).

A large 'loom-up' was visible to fire companies responding south on Tremont Street (evidenced by photo at left). A 2nd alarm was requested at 0714; 3rd alarm at 0715; 4th alarm at 0716; 5th alarm at 0717. Incoming engine companies were ordered to set-up heavy stream appliances (deck-guns) and both water tower rigs (reserve units at the time) were dispatched to the scene.

This fire was fought on a bitterly cold day in February and the building was heavily damaged. Adjacent properties, including the R.H. Stearns department store, were severly threatened. The fire was under control by 1100 hours. Fire companies stayed on the scene for several days, while a crane was brought in to demolish portions of remaining structure.

The site today is occupied by a modern office building.