Fires

Fires have destroyed many Sioux City buildings over the years. In the years before electricity, candles and gas lights were a source of flame. The early fire departments were not equipped to stop a large blaze and many historic structures burned to the ground.

Martin Block Fire
January 12-13, 1888

The aftermath of the Martin Block fire on the north side of 4th Street between Pierce and Nebraska Streets. This fire prompted the formation of a professional Sioux City fire department.

Baker and Bissel Fire
February 8, 1891

The Sawyer Block, built in 1866-67, housed the wholesale hardware firm of Baker and Bissel and the wholesale grocery company of Tolerton and Stetson. Located at 2nd and Pearl, the fire heavily damaged the building on February 8, 1891.

St. Elmo/Floyd Park Hotel Fire
c.1909

Originally named the St. Elmo Hotel, its original location was in the 500 Block of Douglas. When the structure was moved to the 2100 Block of 3rd Street in 1890, it was re-named the Floyd Park Hotel. The hotel became a boarding house and the building later burned c.1909.

Davidson Auto Block Fire
January 11, 1918

The Davidson Auto Block was located on the northwest corner of 6th and Nebraska.

Grayson Fire
Jan 21, 1959

The Grayson fire started at the New Standard Clothing Company, 319 Fourth Street. It consumed four buildings and did $500,000 in damage before it was extinguished.