Our Lady of the Angels School fire

Our-Lady-Queen-of-Heaven

Our Lady of the Angels School fire

The Our Lady of the Angels School fire occurred on December 1, 1958, at the Our Lady of the Angels School in the Humboldt Park area of Chicago, Illinois. The fire resulted in the deaths of 92 students and three nuns, making it one of the deadliest school fires in United States history.

Background

Our Lady of the Angels School was a Roman Catholic elementary school operated by the Archdiocese of Chicago. The school was located at 909 North Avers Avenue and served approximately 1,600 students from kindergarten through eighth grade. The building was constructed in 1910 and consisted of two stories with a basement.

The Fire

The fire began in the basement of the north wing of the school at approximately 2:00 PM. It is believed to have started due to a discarded cigarette or an electrical fault. The fire quickly spread through the wooden interior of the building, fueled by combustible materials such as wooden floors, walls, and ceilings.

The school's fire alarm system was inadequate, and there were no automatic sprinklers or fire doors. As a result, the fire spread rapidly, trapping many students and teachers in their classrooms. The heat and smoke made it difficult for firefighters to reach the upper floors, where most of the fatalities occurred.

Rescue Efforts

Firefighters from the Chicago Fire Department arrived at the scene within minutes of the alarm being raised. Despite their efforts, the fire had already engulfed much of the building. Many students and teachers were forced to jump from windows to escape the flames. Neighbors and passersby also assisted in the rescue efforts, using ladders and other makeshift means to reach those trapped inside.

Aftermath

The fire led to significant changes in fire safety regulations and building codes across the United States. Schools were required to install automatic fire alarm systems, fire-resistant doors, and other safety measures to prevent similar tragedies. The fire also prompted the establishment of the National Fire Protection Association's Life Safety Code, which set new standards for fire safety in schools and other public buildings.

Memorials

A memorial to the victims of the fire was erected at the site of the school, which was later rebuilt. The Our Lady of the Angels Church continues to serve the community, and annual memorial services are held to honor the memory of those who lost their lives in the fire.

See Also

• List of school fires
• Fire safety
• National Fire Protection Association
• Chicago Fire Department