The Great Fire of 1910 in the Inland Northwest
August 20th, 1910
August 20th, 1910

How Long Ago?
114 years, 6 months, 23 days ago
Location
Inland Northwest, United States
Category
Natural Disasters
Links & References
Tags
The Great Fire of 1910 in the Inland Northwest
In August 1910, extreme fire weather conditions led to several small wildfires merging into a massive inferno known as the Great Fire of 1910. This catastrophic event consumed around 3 million acres of forest across northeastern Washington, northern Idaho, and western Montana. It claimed the lives of 87 people, including firefighters and civilians, and prompted significant changes in forestry policies and fire management practices in the United States. The scale and destruction of the fire brought national attention to the issue of forest conservation and the dangers of wildfire in dry seasons.
Burned approximately 3 million acres of land
Resulted in the death of 87 individuals
Led to significant changes in forest management
Originated from multiple small wildfires merging
What Happened?
The Great Fire of 1910, also known as the Big Burn, was initiated by a combination of extreme weather conditions characterized by high winds and hot, dry temperatures. Starting in the panhandle of Idaho, the fire grew rapidly, fueled by both the dry environment and the extensive timber in the region. Several smaller wildfires, which had already ignited due to lightning strikes, merged into a colossal firestorm that swept through the wilderness, towns, and railroads. Over the course of just two days, thousands of firefighters from across the country converged in a desperate attempt to control the blaze. Despite their efforts, the fire raged uncontrollably, resulting in the destruction of entire towns and a staggering loss of natural resources. The devastation was immense, leading to approximately 3 million acres burned and significant loss of wildlife habitat. The death toll reached 87, including numerous firefighters who were tasked with battling the inferno. The sheer scale of destruction raised alarm over the practices of land management and fire prevention at the time. The aftermath of the fire led to changes in U.S. Forest Service policies aimed at improving fire management strategies, emphasizing the need for better preparation, firefighting resources, and forest conservation. Additionally, the Great Fire of 1910 remains significant in the history of wildfire events in the United States as it established a framework for oversight and protection of national forests. It highlighted the vulnerability of these lands to such catastrophic wildfire events, which are still a concern in contemporary forestry and disaster management efforts.
Why Does it Matter?
The Great Fire of 1910 is interesting because it reshaped national forestry policies and raised awareness about the importance of fire management. In its wake, the U.S. Forest Service enacted policies that prioritized fire prevention and improved firefighting capabilities. The event served as a pivotal moment in understanding the impact of wildfires and led to the establishment of organized fire management strategies that continue to evolve today.
Discover More Historic Events from August 20th
Joe Biden's Virtual Acceptance Speech for Nomination
Joe Biden delivered his acceptance speech for the Democratic presidential nomination virtually during the 2020 Democratic National Convention. The event was significant as it marked a historic moment, with Biden speaking from his home due to the COVID-19 pandemic. He emphasized unity, hope, and healing for the American people while addressing urgent issues facing the nation including the economy, healthcare, and systemic racism. The convention itself featured performances, speeches from prominent Democrats, and was primarily held online, setting a new precedent for political gatherings.
Continue ReadingSuicide Bombing at Kurdish Wedding in Turkey
A suicide bomber attacked a Kurdish wedding party in Gaziantep, Turkey, killing fifty-four people and injuring dozens more. The event occurred in a mostly Kurdish area, highlighting ongoing tensions and violence in the region. The bombing was one of the deadliest attacks in Turkey that year and occurred amid concerns about ISIS activities in the region. It targeted a joyful celebration, leading to widespread condemnation from various quarters.
Continue ReadingLandslides Claim Lives in Hiroshima Prefecture
A series of landslides in Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan, resulted in the tragic death of seventy-two people. These landslides were triggered by an unprecedented amount of rainfall; nearly a month's worth of rain fell in just one day, leading to severe mudslides and destruction. The affected areas experienced significant damage, with homes destroyed and many residents displaced. Recovery efforts were hampered by the unstable conditions. Local authorities mobilized emergency services and rescue teams to search for survivors and assist those in need.
Continue ReadingDeadly Prison Riot in Caracas
A violent prison riot erupted at the El Rodeo prison in Caracas, leaving at least 20 people dead. The unrest began during a police operation aimed at controlling gang activities within the facility. Overcrowding and poor living conditions in Venezuelan prisons are chronic issues, exacerbating tensions and leading to a deadly confrontation between rival gangs.
Continue ReadingSpanair Flight 5022 Fatal Crash at Barajas Airport
Spanair Flight 5022, bound for Gran Canaria, crashed during its takeoff from Madrid's Barajas Airport, resulting in a catastrophic accident. Of the 172 people on board, 146 died instantly, while an additional eight succumbed to injuries later. The aircraft, a McDonnell Douglas MD-82, experienced a critical failure of the two engines due to a lack of flaps being deployed, leading to an inability to gain sufficient altitude. The crash was the deadliest aviation disaster in Spain since 1982.
Continue ReadingChina Airlines Flight 120 Explodes at Naha Airport
China Airlines Flight 120, a Boeing 737-800, caught fire and exploded after landing at Naha Airport in Okinawa, Japan. The incident occurred shortly after the aircraft's landing gear made contact with the runway. Of the 165 passengers and crew aboard, a significant portion suffered injuries, although there were no fatalities reported. The fire was triggered by a fuel leak that ignited upon touchdown, leading to a major emergency response from local fire and rescue teams.
Continue Reading