Chicago Fire Department history – Five Chicago Firefighters Die at Reliance Hotel Fire, 12-17-53

 

From the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation:

On a cold morning in Chicago, just after 2:30 am on December 17, 1953, firefighters were called to a fire at the Reliance Hotel, located at 1702 West Madison Street. Upon arrival, they found the three-story building fully engulfed in flames. The situation quickly escalated, with the fire reaching three alarms and drawing 100 firefighters to the scene.

The hotel was undergoing renovations but still open for guests. The manager woke up to the smell of smoke and alerted the guests before heading down to report the fire. A police patrol also arrived around the same time. In total, 75 people were rescued, with only one occupant, a 45-year-old man believed to have started the fire, not making it out alive. Authorities later discovered a note in his pocket confessing to multiple crimes, including setting fires in 12 apartment buildings.

As firefighters worked to control the blaze, the front of the building suddenly collapsed at about 3:49 am. Those on the roof managed to escape by sliding down the falling structure, while those inside were left trapped. One firefighter described the experience as “like sliding down a chute.” Dozens of firefighters were missing following the collapse.

Despite the freezing temperatures, firefighters spent six hours digging through the rubble by hand, using tools to search for survivors. Fire crews also continued to contain the fire, which was finally under control by 4:30 am. Afterward, rescue teams focused on saving injured or trapped firefighters, working in dangerous conditions with the constant risk of another collapse.

The Chicago Daily News reported that “At the height of the rescue work, all of the city’s police and fire resuscitators were at the wreckage to revive firemen as they were rescued.” The Salvation Army and Red Cross provided food, hot drinks, and shelter to both victims and rescuers.

The first firefighter recovered was Robert Jordan from Truck Company 2, who had died. His wife, Edyth, arrived at the scene with a photo of him from another fire, unaware of the tragedy. She was told he was injured and taken to the hospital, only to learn he had passed away from his injuries.

Later that day, the bodies of George Malik and John Jarose, both from Engine Company 31, were found. Among the trapped was Ray Nowicki, who remained stuck in a small space. Firefighters communicated with him and even brought a doctor down to administer pain relief. Dr. Joseph Campbell was held upside down by firefighters so he could give Nowicki an injection. Similarly, Dr. Herman Bundesen crawled into the debris to help Firefighter John Measner, while others passed bricks to free him.

Lieutenant Theodore Patronski and nine other firefighters were trapped in a ten-foot square hole. They shouted for help for hours, but their calls went unheard until rescuers spotted Patronski’s leg in the rubble. Their survival was a miracle.

Captain Nicholas Schmidt of Engine Company 107 and Firefighter Robert Schaack of Truck 19 were still missing. Lillian Schmidt and her daughters prayed at home, holding rosaries, hoping for their safe return. Her sons waited at the scene. Eventually, a crane was brought in, and the two men were found among the debris.

Thanks Drew

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