The Fox Film Corporation faced a devastating loss when a fire engulfed its film storage vaults, erasing an estimated 75% of its silent film inventory. The incident occurred in July 1937 and was largely due to the highly flammable nature of nitrate film stock, which had been a common format for film production before safety standards were improved. In addition to the physical destruction of films, many silent movies that were lost are now considered irreplaceable works that documented early Hollywood and cinematic storytelling. Firefighters responded quickly, but the flames spread rapidly, fueled by the flammable material housed within the building. This led to chaotic scenes as they battled the inferno, trying to salvage what they could from the flames. As a result, the fire represented a significant cultural loss for both the studio and film history overall, illustrating the vulnerabilities inherent in archival preservation at that time.

This incident highlighted the need for better archival practices and film preservation methods, sparking discussions in the film industry about the risks associated with storing nitrate film. With many studios beginning to transition to safer film materials, the fire served as a wake-up call, prompting the industry to evaluate its practices and the importance of preserving its cinematic heritage. In subsequent years, many initiatives were launched aimed at improving preservation techniques and ensuring the longevity of films produced during the silent era. The loss of these films not only represented a loss for the Fox Film Corporation but also for filmmakers, historians, and fans interested in the rich tapestry of early cinema.