1922 Astoria, Oregon fire facts for kids

Photograph showing the fire's aftermath

Remnants of the Weinhard Hotel and the Astoria National Bank

Remnants of the Astoria Furniture Company

On December 8, 1922, a huge fire started in Astoria, Oregon. It began around 2 a.m. and quickly spread. This fire destroyed about 30 city blocks in the center of Astoria.

Many people were affected by this disaster. Around 2,500 people lost their homes. Sadly, one person also died. The damage from the fire cost hundreds of millions of dollars. It is remembered as one of the worst fires in Oregon's history.

The Great Astoria Fire of 1922

The fire that hit Astoria in 1922 was very destructive. It spread incredibly fast through the city. This was because of how Astoria was built. Much of the city was constructed on wooden foundations. These foundations used special wooden poles called pilings.

Why the Fire Spread So Fast

A report from 1922 explained why the fire moved so quickly. The flames did not just burn above ground. They also burned *under* the paved streets. These flames attacked the wooden pilings that held up the streets and buildings.

Burning Beneath the Streets

The pilings were treated with a substance called creosote. This made them last longer, but it also made them very flammable. When the fire reached these pilings, it created a "honeycomb" of flames underground. This meant the fire was burning in many places at once, hidden from view. This hidden fire allowed it to travel with amazing speed. It would then break through to the surface in new areas, making it very hard to stop.

Other Fires in Astoria's History

Astoria has faced other big fires over the years. A major fire also happened in July 1883. More recently, another significant fire occurred on December 16, 2010. These events show that fires have been a recurring challenge for the city.