Great Chelsea fire of 1908

Nineteen people were killed, 15,000 were left homeless, and 350 acres (140 ha) were burned in the fire.

Aid was called-in from nearby cities, but even the much larger fighting force was unable to cope with the fire, and could only attempt to keep it within certain limits.

So intense was the heat of the fire that buildings made of solid granite crumbled, and were entirely destroyed.

The committee immediately opened relief stations at the new High School building and at Lincoln Hall, and thousands were fed at these two places daily.

On Wednesday, a large number of people were furnished with cooking utensils and mattresses, and by Saturday thousands of sets of bed-clothing had been distributed.