Union Stock Yards Fire of 1934: Chicago’s Second Greatest Fire

Union Stock Yards Fire of 1934: Chicago’s Second Greatest Fire
Jeff Stern of the Fire Museum of Greater Chicago
With less than four inches of rain having fallen since the first of the year, and the temperature hitting 92 degrees on May 19, 1934, Chicago was vulnerable. It took only a carelessly tossed cigarette in the Union Stock Yards that Saturday afternoon to set off the most destructive blaze since the Great Fire of 1871.
Winds proportionate to a 60-mile gale at times spread the fire faster than a man could run, and six of 100 pumpers sent to put it out it were themselves destroyed while attached to hydrants. Yet, although six square blocks of property, including parts of the steel ‘L’ structure, were left in ruins, the major packinghouses were saved.
This program reviews the strategies taken to control the fire and features photos and documents relating to the efforts of 1,600 Chicago firefighters to extinguish it. Suburban departments were also recognized. No fewer than 31 sent men and apparatus, mainly to provide protection at vacated Chicago firehouses.
Jeff Stern is a member of the Board of the Fire Museum of Greater Chicago. He has never been a Chicago firefighter, but has been involved with the Fire Department for over 75 years. Whether it was the early motorized equipment that was still in service when he was growing up or some other aspect of the fire service that attracted his interest, he’s not sure, but he managed to visit all 141 of the fire houses that were then in service before he turned 13, and was able to run with some of the busiest squads and chiefs.
Recorded via Zoom on October 21, 2021

[@1912fld]

Funny how people today get so up in arms about our history, yet so much is missed, just like this story. Thanks for this video.

[@ediefolta9494]

Thank you for the research on this fire. I had never heard of it before, yet my father was 25 years old at the time and living with his parents only 10 blocks south of the stockyards. Amazing how such a dramatic and horrific incident could be lost from common memory.

[@briankelly7292]

Yes this is a very through story of such a disaster that can now not be forgotten for all to see..Thank you 🙏

[@stephenmoerlein8470]

Thanks for posting this very interesting and previously unknown history!

[@jeffking4176]

Interesting story -
Well read. Narrator did an excellent job.
📻🙂

[@michaelhoffman5486]

poor watchman giving his life for animals fucking huge hearted hero

[@briankelly7292]

Can now be not forgotten. Sorry for the misprint. It's very important story. Such sacrifice to make this happen in the day

[@davidkimmel4216]

Fantastic video

[@chrisbassett8996]

thank you for sharing

[@chrisbassett8996]

wow even the brick buildings were engulfed. i guess they do have windows and doors

[@pcbondart]

12:10 . . . that building still there!

[@jamesrice1605]

My Grandfather, Joseph Collins, work Swift and Company 1911 - 1961

[@martyduncan2636]

Is Foster Brooks narrating this? 🥃 🍸 🍻🙄

[@hphsarchivist]

No, It's Mr. Jeff Stern

[@sirenloud]

That's by the krib no lie

[@brianthorson6509]

cigerette right, who the hell made that up! arson more like it .

[@followtheciaence]

Just takes one person who hates their job.

[@Maaaatttttt]

Brick buildings don't burn. Great fire was bs