20 Most Catastrophic Fires and Explosions in American History

Special Report

May 12, 2023 2:02 pm

Source: Archive Photos / Stringer / Getty Images

20. The Great Chicago Fire
> Est. casualties: 250
> Location: Chicago, IL
> Date: Oct. 8-9, 1871

Source: Public Domain / Wikimedia Commons

19. The Cherry Mine disaster
> Est. casualties: 259
> Location: Cherry, IL
> Date: Nov. 13, 1909

ALSO READ: The 13 Worst Wildfires in American History

Source: Public Domain / Wikimedia Commons

18. The Dawson mining disaster
> Est. casualties: 263
> Location: Dawson, NM
> Date: Oct. 22, 1913

17. The Mather Mine disaster
> Est. casualties: 273
> Location: Mather, PA
> Date: May 19, 1928

Source: Public Domain / Wikimedia Commons

16. The Brooklyn Theatre fire
> Est. casualties: 285
> Location: Brooklyn, NY
> Date: Dec. 5, 1876

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