The Iroquois Theatre fire was a catastrophic building fire in Chicago, Illinois, that broke out on December 30, 1903 during a performance attended by 1,700 people. The fire caused 602 deaths and 250 non-fatal injuries. It ranks as the worst theater fire in the United States, surpassing the carnage of the Brooklyn Theatre fire of 1876, which claimed at least 278 lives.
The Iroquois Theatre, shortly before the fire
Panicked theatergoers trying to flee (artist's conception)
Theatergoers climbing along ladders above the alley (artist's conception)
Dan McAvoy, the actor who played Mr. Blue Beard
The Brooklyn Theatre fire was a catastrophic theatre fire that broke out on the evening of December 5, 1876, in the city of Brooklyn. The fire took place at the Brooklyn Theatre, near the corner of Washington and Johnson streets, with over 1,000 guests attending. The conflagration killed at least 278 individuals, with some accounts reporting more than 300 dead. 103 unidentified victims were interred in a common grave at Green-Wood Cemetery, marked by an obelisk, while more than two dozen identified victims were interred individually in separate sections at the Cemetery of the Evergreens in Brooklyn.
Brooklyn Theatre from Johnson Street, shortly after December 5, 1876, fire
Washington Street entrance before the fire, looking north toward Johnson Street. The theatre is distinguished by its mansard roof; its L-shaped lot wrapped around the Dieter Hotel, here partially obscured by trees.
The Washington Street entrance shortly after the fire. A crowd has congregated in front of the First Precinct station house, one door south, possibly to inquire after missing people or to file reports
Relics of victims laid out for identification at Brooklyn Police Headquarters
