Chicago Fire Department history, Union Stockyards Fire 5-19-34

Chief Fire Marshal Michael Corrigan believed he was witnessing a catastrophe when flames spread rapidly through a maze of livestock pens on Chicago’s South Side, 85 years ago.

“At one point, I thought it would reach Lake Michigan,” he told a Tribune reporter at the scene. “It was moving so fast and the heat was unbearable. No one could stand in its path. I immediately called for 40 fire companies.”

The Union Stock Yards fire on May 19, 1934, was one of the most devastating in Chicago's history, second only to the Great Fire of 1871. The smoke was visible from a United Airlines flight over South Bend, Indiana, 95 miles away. As the plane approached Midway Airport, much of Chicago was obscured by the haze.

The stockyards, which had inspired Carl Sandburg to call Chicago “The Hog Butcher for the World,” covered about a square mile between Halsted Street, Ashland Avenue, 39th, and 47th streets. To the east, the Bridgeport neighborhood narrowly escaped destruction as the fire leaped across Halsted. Firefighters carried dynamite to create firebreaks, but before they could use it, the flames reached the homes.

“From saloons, small groceries, and upper-floor rooms, terrified workers and residents fled,” the Tribune reported. “The fire moved so quickly that firefighters sometimes had to abandon their hoses and run for their lives.”

A fire station inside the stockyards was destroyed, along with six fire engines, a hook and ladder, and 5,000 feet of hose.

At the time, a branch line of the “L” ran from the South Side, bringing workers to the stockyards. The intense heat damaged the elevated structure, and the Halsted Street station burned down. When the power was cut, the crew abandoned an “L” car, which was also destroyed.

Like the 1871 fire, this one followed a dry spell that turned wooden animal pens into kindling. The fire began when a motorist threw a lit cigarette out of a window while driving on a viaduct over 43rd Street, igniting hay in a cattle pen below at 4:14 p.m. A worker said he often saw people do this.

Isaac Means, a watchman, was the first to spot the fire and shouted “Fire!” to nearby workers. As others fled, he stayed behind trying to save animals. His body was found the next day in the debris.

Other employees rode horses to drive animals to a makeshift corral on a nearby playground. However, 30 to 40 animals roamed the streets when the cowboys returned to rescue more. Among the saved were Highland Stamp, the previous year’s grand champion shorthorn bull, and eight award-winning cows. The venue where they won their prizes was destroyed, along with several pens. Later, the International Amphitheater was built on the site.

As the fire raged, radio stations broadcast the fire marshal’s call for off-duty firefighters to help. Hundreds responded and were given hand pumps to water buildings at risk. Sirens echoed across the city as five-sixths of Chicago’s fire trucks rushed to the scene. Firehouses were manned by units from Blue Island, Chicago Heights, Oak Lawn, and other suburbs. With 200 police officers managing crowds, volunteers took over patrol duties.

Leonard Smuezymski, an 11-year-old boy near 40th Street and Racine Avenue, directed traffic at the intersection when the regular officer was absent. Boy Scouts brought water to firefighters, and John Russell, a tavern owner, donated beer to keep them hydrated. His tavern survived, despite being in the fire’s path.

Many nearby buildings did not fare as well. Gas tanks exploded in garages along Emerald and Union avenues due to the extreme heat. Jim O’Leary’s gambling house, the Stockyards Inn, the Saddle and Sirloin Club, and the New Exchange Building—all iconic spots—were destroyed.

Radio station WAAF, located in the New Exchange Building, went off the air. Seven firefighters were trapped on its roof, nine floors up. An 85-foot aerial ladder was raised, but it wasn’t long enough. Lt. Thomas Morrissey, who had been off duty, climbed the ladder with a 15-foot pompier ladder, allowing the firefighters to descend safely. He had answered the call for help and volunteered for the dangerous mission.

By 8:30 p.m., the fire was under control, but isolated flames still smoldered until midnight. On Sunday, insurance adjusters and fire marshals estimated the damage at $8 million—over $150 million today—and 50 injuries, mostly among firefighters. Isaac Means, the watchman who stayed behind, was the only fatality. Between 400 and 1,000 animals perished.

On Monday, the stockyards reopened, even as snowplows cleared debris and 1,500 new workers were hired to rebuild. Farmers were advised to delay shipments, and St. Louis offered to process some livestock. Yet, as always, Chicago refused to admit it needed outside help.

Amid the wreckage and crumbling walls, trade resumed in Chicago.

“We’re getting along all right,” said O.T. Henkle, the stockyards’ general manager. “In normal times, each commission merchant has their own pens, but today, everyone is working together and keeping the livestock moving.”

In fact, the day’s sales included 12,000 cattle, 26,000 hogs, and 5,000 sheep—each fetching higher prices than they had before the fire closed the market on Saturday.

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