1919 Standard Oil Company fire
1919 fire in New York City
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| |
 | |
| Date | September 13, 1919 |
|---|---|
| Time | Started 2:00 p.m. (Eastern Time)[1] |
| Location | Standard Oil Company Campus, Greenpoint, Brooklyn, New York City |
| Non-fatal injuries | 300 |
On September 13, 1919, a fire and explosion occurred at the Standard Oil Company in Greenpoint, Brooklyn, New York City.
Fire
The Standard Oil Company Campus and former Astral Oil Works was spread out over 20 acres (8.1 ha).[2] A fire broke in Tank No. 36 on the Standard Oil Company Campus around 2:00 p.m., but before the New York City Fire Department was called, the tank ignited, sparking off multiple fires throughout the campus.[1] The yard held large quantities of naphtha, gasoline, oil and alcohol and more 1000 barrels of other explosive and flammable liquids.[1] The fire burned furiously for three days, destroying millions of gallons of oil and caused damage estimated at $5,000,000 ($92,850,300 in 2025).[3] Over 1,000 firemen fought the spectacular blaze, 300 of which were treated for burns and minor injuries.[3]
Standard Oilâs Brooklyn refinery may have been an intentional attempt to clear the land and draw insurance.[4] The fire site is now the location of the Bayside Fuel Oil depot at Bushwick Inlet.[4]
See also
