San Francisco Is Burning: The Untold Story of the 1906 Earthquake and Fires
by Dennis Smith
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Description
At 5:12 a.m. on the morning of April 18, 1906, San Francisco was struck by one of the worst earthquakes in history, instantly killing hundreds. The ensuing fires that ravaged the city for days were responsible for the deaths of as many as 3,000 more. In all, 522 blocks and 28,188 buildings were leveled, and some 200,000 people dislocated. This watershed event in American history has never before been told with the richness of historical detail and insight that firefighter and fire historian show more Smith brings to it. Smith recounts the tragedy through the stories of the people who lived through those terrible days. Throughout, he reveals many previously unknown details about the event, from the city's great vulnerability to fire--due to its corrupt and hasty building practices--to the widespread racism the quake unleashed and the atrocities committed by national guardsmen. show lessLists
Accidents, Disasters, and Tragedies
175 works; 7 members
Author Information
13+ Works 1,357 Members
Dennis Smith spent 18 years with the New York City Fire Department. Smith lives in New York City.
Common Knowledge
- Original publication date
- 2005
- People/Characters
- Lieutenant Commander Frederick Freeman; Ensign John Pond; Abraham Ruef; Brigadier General Frederick Funston; James D. Phelan; Rudolph Spreckels
- Important places
- San Francisco, California, USA; California, USA
- Important events
- San Francisco Earthquake and Fire (1906-04-18)
- Dedication
- To all of our firefighters, police officers, nurses, and EMTs who put their own lives on the line at every emergency, terrorist attack, or natural disaster. Thanks for being there.
- First words
- Introduction: I am standing on the bow of the Guardian, one of the San Francisco Fire Department's two fireboats, enjoying the excitement of the moment.
John Pond had the letter in his hand as he knocked softly on the door. - Last words
- (Click to show. Warning: May contain spoilers.)Lieutenant Freeman had finally returned to San Francisco in the proper way - with honor.
Classifications
Statistics
- Languages
- English
- Media
- Audiobook
- ISBNs
- 1