Albert Fisher, November 4th, 1922
On Wednesday, October 4, 1922 at 11:19 AM, an alarm was sounded on Box 523, 4th and George Streets, for a fire in Joseph Belitskty’s six-story warehouse located at 1016-28 N. American Street. The fire also spread to P.T. Simons & Sons, Skins and Tallow, 1017-19 N. Bodine Street.
While operating at this fire, Hoseman Albert Fisher of Engine 21, Hoseman Patrick Murray of Engine 21, Ladderman Thomas Gilloway of Truck 2, and Ladderman Edward Paxson of Truck 2 were burned to death when they became trapped in an elevator that became stuck between floors.
One newspaper article of the day describes the incident as follows: “Trapped in an elevator between the fourth and fifth floors, the men had no chance to escape. They were suffocated by the heavy clouds of smoke which engulfed them and their bodies burned to a crisp.”
Describing the recovery of the four firefighters, the article continues to say: “Huddled on the floor of the elevator they found the four men, their bodies seared and blackened. Their axe handles were charred and hose burned through."
The fire loss amounted to $300,000. Hoseman Fisher had been a member of the Fire Department 9 months to the day of his death.
Albert Fisher, November 4th, 1922
On Wednesday, October 4, 1922 at 11:19 AM, an alarm was sounded on Box 523, 4th and George Streets, for a fire in Joseph Belitskty’s six-story warehouse located at 1016-28 N. American Street. The fire also spread to P.T. Simons & Sons, Skins and Tallow, 1017-19 N. Bodine Street.
While operating at this fire, Hoseman Albert Fisher of Engine 21, Hoseman Patrick Murray of Engine 21, Ladderman Thomas Gilloway of Truck 2, and Ladderman Edward Paxson of Truck 2 were burned to death when they became trapped in an elevator that became stuck between floors.
One newspaper article of the day describes the incident as follows: “Trapped in an elevator between the fourth and fifth floors, the men had no chance to escape. They were suffocated by the heavy clouds of smoke which engulfed them and their bodies burned to a crisp.”
Describing the recovery of the four firefighters, the article continues to say: “Huddled on the floor of the elevator they found the four men, their bodies seared and blackened. Their axe handles were charred and hose burned through."
The fire loss amounted to $300,000. Hoseman Fisher had been a member of the Fire Department 9 months to the day of his death.
Career History
Appointed Hoseman Engine 21 - January 4, 1922