May 18, 1896, saw the deadliest fire in history for D.C.’s fire department, and 126 years later, the city’s fire department honored the brave men who died during rescue attempts.
A red-and-black firebox — number 139 — stands at the corner of 9th Street and Pennsylvania Ave in Northwest.
“Just prior to 8:10 in the evening, the alarm of a fire from Firebox 139 was received” more than a century ago, said Deputy Chief Anthony Kelleher on Wednesday.
Five members of the department were killed by collapsing walls and flooring in what was known as the Commission House fire: Assistant Foreman George Kettler, Private Joseph Mulhall, Assistant Foreman George Giles and Private Daniel Conway.
In total, 22 structures suffered damage or total destruction that day.