Frank Davis, August 20th, 1901
On Monday, August 19, 1901 at 4:21 PM, an alarm was sounded on Box 1339, 29th and Passyunk Avenues for a fire at the Atlantic Refining Company in Point Breeze. The fire reached five alarms. The fire loss amounted to $480,000.
Ladderman Frank Davis of Truck “I”, Foreman James A. Eells of Engine 49, and Hoseman John McCullen of Engine 49 were burned to death when a tank of oil collapsed, engulfing them in flaming oil.
History also shows that at least 38 other members of the fire department received severe burns or other injuries at this fire, including Chief Engineer James Baxter, Assistant Engineer Leithead, 4 members of Engine 46, 3 other members of Engine 49, 8 members of Truck “I” and many others.
It is interesting to note that Frank Davis was a brother of Ross B. Davis, who later became Chief Engineer of the fire department. In addition, all 3 men had been transferred to their last assignments during the same fateful year – 1901.
Frank Davis, August 20th, 1901
On Monday, August 19, 1901 at 4:21 PM, an alarm was sounded on Box 1339, 29th and Passyunk Avenues for a fire at the Atlantic Refining Company in Point Breeze. The fire reached five alarms. The fire loss amounted to $480,000.
Ladderman Frank Davis of Truck “I”, Foreman James A. Eells of Engine 49, and Hoseman John McCullen of Engine 49 were burned to death when a tank of oil collapsed, engulfing them in flaming oil.
History also shows that at least 38 other members of the fire department received severe burns or other injuries at this fire, including Chief Engineer James Baxter, Assistant Engineer Leithead, 4 members of Engine 46, 3 other members of Engine 49, 8 members of Truck “I” and many others.
It is interesting to note that Frank Davis was a brother of Ross B. Davis, who later became Chief Engineer of the fire department. In addition, all 3 men had been transferred to their last assignments during the same fateful year – 1901.
Career History
Appointed Hoseman Engine 2 - August 19, 1896
Transferred Ladderman Truck “A” - October 4, 1897
Transferred Ladderman Truck “I” - August 5, 1901