Consuming Fire that Followed the Earthquake

A flicker of flame was seen in early dawn and then a dozen such tongues of fire here and there. The flames were started by broken power lines and fractured gas lines. Civilians and firemen were soon at work, but to their dismay there was only a little water, and then no water, to quench the flames. Some of the city's main water lines had been broken.6BIO 83.2

People had poured from the trembling and falling buildings, seeking safety in the streets. As soon as the first wave of earth's heavings eased, they hurried back into their homes to dress and grab a few precious belongings; then they sought safer havens. Bicycles, wheelbarrows, baby buggies, and children's wagons—all were put into service to take precious belongings to places thought to be safe. Men and women were seen dragging storage trunks, many with bundles of clothing, food, and bedding on top.6BIO 83.3

The fires, out of control, cut an ever-widening swath of destruction. People pressed into the city parks. Authorities began dynamiting buildings in an effort to halt the spreading flames.6BIO 83.4

Some people broke into breweries and liquor stores, and in certain areas drinking orgies added to the confusion. Drunken parents, unmindful of the perils about them, forgot babies and children, and in many cases were separated from them. One group of uncared-for, terrified children, thinking Telegraph Hill to be a safe place, flocked there, only to be consumed as the racing flames veered and took the hill (The Signs of the Times, May 30, 1906).6BIO 84.1