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This week’s blast from the past is a fire that took place on June 26, 1961—a 5-11 alarm at the 7-story Douglas Hotel located at 2600 S. State Street. The fire broke out on the top floor around 1:45 p.m. The building had once been a grand hotel in the 1890s but had since fallen into disrepair, just like the surrounding neighborhood. At the time of the fire, it was operating as a single-room occupancy (SRO) facility with over 500 residents.
The first photo shows a view looking west across State Street, while the second image captures a southward view down State Street, with the Dearborn Homes housing project visible in the background. This was a major incident, and three of the four Hi-Ranger Snorkels were deployed. Two Jeep pressure units are also visible in the photos. These images offer a rare glimpse into the history of Chicago Fire Department operations and the city’s evolving urban landscape. Enjoy this piece of history!