America is no stranger to tragedy. For as long as we've been in existence, devastating events have dotted our history. Certainly, tragic fires would fall under that category. The comprehensive damage that unravels from a fire is sometimes hard to fathom - from loss of property to loss of life. However, these tragedies serve to teach us important lessons, if we are willing to learn. Such a fire is the one that occurred in Atlanta, Georgia in 1946.
The Winecoff Hotel in Atlanta was nothing short of a wonder in its day. Classified as 'absolutely flameproof,' the hotel symbolizes a devastating irony. On December 7, 1946, an unexpected fire broke out on the 3rd floor. While the cause of the fire was not absolutely determined, many concluded that the source of that blazing inferno was a mere cigarette, carelessly thrown on a chair and mattress that were in a hallway. What followed was nothing short of a sheer disaster. Burlap coverings that were on the walls in the hallways caught fire from the chair and mattress. Once the walls were on fire, the blaze grew in such strength that the doors and transoms were completed burned, all the way up to the 15th floor.
One of the saddest elements of this fire was the lack of viable means for escape. The hotel was just not designed to handle a mass exodus in the event of an emergency evacuation. There was just one solitary staircase for all the guests to exit - from the 15th floor on down. Because the fire was on the 3rd floor, everyone from the 3rd floor up was trapped in the burning building.
For many, the windows were their only chance of escape. Some were caught in rescue nets and some were rescued at their windows. In total, 119 people died in that fire; 32 of them died in their window escape attempts - either by sheet ropes or by jumping.
Thankfully, we have learned many lessons from tragedies like this. There was a new awareness of the flammability of materials, and now the flameproofing of curtains, fabrics, decorations, etc. is a requirement in hotels and other locations where the public gathers. Because we have implemented fire prevention and fire safety practices, we do not hear of fires of this magnitude much anymore. That speaks to the effectiveness of flameproofing and other regulations sanctioned by the FDNY.
Bronx Flameproofing is dedicated to using our flameproofing expertise to see that a tragedy like the one in Atlanta never occurs here in our city. We are here to serve the Bronx and the entire Metro NYC area. We would love to assist your business and offer our flameproofing knowledge to keep you safe from the threat of fire. Please call today for a free, no-obligation quote and to discuss any questions or concerns you have: 1-800-594-0117.