Great New York City Fire of 1845

The fire started in a whale oil and candle manufacturing establishment and quickly spread to other wooden structures. It reached a saltpeter warehouse on Broad Street and caused a massive explosion that spread the fire even farther. 

The fire destroyed 345 buildings in the southern part of what is now the Financial District, resulting in property damage estimated at the time between $5 million and $10 million (equivalent to between $157 million and $314 million in 2022). Four firefighters and 26 civilians died. There were multiple reports of looting during the fire and in its aftermath, both of businesses and private residences. At least two elderly women reported being approached by young men who offered to help them move their belongings from their damaged buildings, only to have their valuables stolen.

While very destructive, the 1845 fire confirmed the value of building codes restricting wood-frame construction, which had been implemented in 1815. In spite of general improvements, the 1845 fire prompted public calls for a more proactive stance in fire prevention and firefighting, and the city established a reserve unit called the Exempt Fireman's Company.