UWT to Commemorate 1908 Fire on Monday

We know that a number of you are fans of Michael Sullivan’s lectures and stories about Tacoma. So, with that in mind, this event may be perfect for you.

On Feb. 24, 1908, a fire erupted on the top floor of the Garretson Woodruff Pratt Building of the UW Tacoma campus. The building is now occupied by UW Tacoma classrooms, student services, faculty and administrative offices. The early morning fire was apparently caused by crossed wires. Lt. George M. Hill was killed falling from a ladder on the top floor. Five other firefighters were injured. Six employees of Davis Smith & Co., then occupants of the building, suffered burns

Three days after the fire, thousands of sorrowful Tacoma residents lined St. Helens Avenue to watch Lt. Hill’s funeral procession.

Almost exactly 100 years to the day after a firefighter was killed, the university will host a ceremony commemorating the once-forgotten fire.

Historian and UW Tacoma lecturer Michael Sullivan will bring the story of the fire to life. Other guests will include Tacoma Fire Chief Ron Stephens and a fire department honor guard. The university will also unveil a new historic photo display at the ceremony, which will be held on the third floor of the GWP Building.

Where & When
Monday, Feb. 25 at 1 p.m.
UW Tacoma
GWP Building – 3rd Floor