by Callista Meyer

Created on: November 13, 2008   Last Updated: December 19, 2008

A tragic even occurred on June 6, 1889 when a spilled gluepot inside a carpentry shop started a fire. This fire became one of the most destructive fires even noted in Seattle. Damages stuck over 32 city blocks and put approximately 5, 000 individuals out of jobs while fire fighter's tried to stop the blazing flames.

Within the carpentry building there were numerous piles of timber and as it was a arid summer, the fire from the glue-pot did not take long to erupt. In just moments the entire city block was engulfed in flames and quickly spreading North over more city blocks. The fire continued to destroy almost all of the cities businesses, railroad terminals and many of the city's wharves were gone within moments. The fire was simply too fast and too large for Seattle's small fire hydrants and the volunteer fire department to fight. Water supply was inadequate making putting out the fire a feat. Despite the great property damage the fire itself only caused one death, while other deaths were noted during the clean up.

Instead of starting their city over in another area, Seattle's individuals decided to clean up and rebuild what they had lost. The fire helped the city in one way by ridding it of vermin's and rats that had started to accumulate among the streets and the decision was made to use brick or stone for the new buildings instead of wood.

One of the main goals in rebuilding the city, was to ensure they would be prepared in case another drastic fire began. The city's fire department changed from being a volunteer center to being a professional department with new firehouses and a new fire chief. The city also responded to their water supply, using larger pipes and more hydrants located around the city. City standards were changed with laws enforcing a new standard for wall thickness and you can still see these changes that were made in Seattle today.

Pioneer Square became the name of the rebuilt area of the city. You are able to take guided tours today and view the special features of the post fire buildings for a fee. As well you can tour underground Seattle to see the remnants of some buildings that were built over.

The year after the fire struck down over 30 city blocks, the population actually increased by families and individuals moving in to help with rebuilding. Supplies and funds were sent to Seattle from the West coast. With this increase in size, Seattle became the largest city in Washington.

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