1926 — Apr 21, fire, sawdust explosion, fire, Marsh Wood Products Co., Milwaukee, WI– 6

–6 AP. “Sixth Fireman Dies From Milwaukee Fire.” Appleton Post Crescent, WI. 5-1-1926, p.1.
–6 National Fire Protection Association. Report of Important Dust Explosions. 1957. p. 71.

Narrative Information

April 21, UP: “(By United Press) Milwaukee, Wis., April 21 – An unidentified man was killed and ten or twelve others, including several firemen, were seriously injured in a fire which swept the Marsh Wood Products company here this afternoon. Alvin Schultz, fireman, one of those injured, is not expected to live.

“The original fire was extinguished after only one alarm had been sounded and two companies were left on the scene to ‘clean up.’ Shortly after they started their work a dust explosion, which rocked the entire building and sent timber, glass and steel flying in all directions, caught the firemen. Several employes of the company were also injured.

“Immediately after the explosion the fire started anew and the firemen injured by the force of the blast were burned…..Several me were also reported missing, according to officials on the fire department.” (United Press. “One Man Dead, Dozen Injured in Fire, Blast.” Stevens Point Daily Journal, WI. 4-21-1926, p. 1.)

April 22: “Milwaukee – An investigation was under way today of the sawdust explosion which followed an insignificant fire at the Marsh Wood Products company here Wednesday, and resulted in the death of three firemen, perhaps fatal burns to six others, and severe injury to 16. Stanley Streminski, 23, died in the explosion, and Lieut. Thomas Hanson died at Emergency hospital shortly before midnight. The third victim of the fire, Alvin Schultz, fireman, died at Emergency hospital this morning. Those dangerously burned and not expected to recover are: John Skorzewski, Ambrose Skorzewski. Seriously burned: George Leifert, George H. Schmidt, Frank Lototzke, George Quentmey.

“Fire Chief Peter Steinkellner announced today there would be a complete investigation into the cause of the blast, but indicated there was little to be learned that is not already know. There is no suggestion of negligence….” (Wisconsin State Journal, Madison. “3 Dead, 16 Hurt in Sawdust Blast.” 4-22-1926, p. 1.)

April 23: “Milwaukee, Wis. – Ambrose Skorzewski, 29, fireman, who died here last night, was the fourth victim of the sawdust explosion at the March Wood Products company here Wednesday afternoon. Stanly Strzeminski, 28, died in the ruins of the plant, shortly after the explosion; while Lieut. Thomas Hanlon, 45, and Alvin Schultz, all firemen, died at the hospital from burns received. Captain John Skorzewski, 42, brother of Ambrose, is also reported near death and attending physicians have little hope for his recovery. Six other men are in serious condition but there is hope for their recovery.” (Sheboygan Press, WI. “Fourth of Firemen to Face Death.” 4-23-1926, p.1.)

April 25: “Milwaukee – Capt. John Skorzewski, fireman burned in the sawdust explosion at the Marsh Wood Products plant here last week, died of the burns received at St. Mary’s hospital, the fifth victim of the disaster. Capt. Skorzewski was one off the dozen men knocked down by the explosion. He was dragged from the bin by rescuers, but not before he had received burns which finally proved fatal. This is the second death in the Skorzewski family as the result of the blast. Ambrose Skorzewski, brother of the latest victim having previously died from effects of burns received.” (Waukesha Daily Freeman, WI. “Fifth Fireman Dies of Burns.” 4-26-1926, p. 2.)

May 1, AP: “Milwaukee – (AP) – George Liefert, 21 years old, a fireman who was burned in the saw dust explosion at the Marsh Wood Product’s plant April 14, died at 8 a.m. Saturday making the sixth fireman to lose his life as a result of the fire. Two of the other 15 who were injured are still in hospitals, with an excellent chance of recovery.” (AP. “Sixth Fireman Dies From Milwaukee Fire.” Appleton Post Crescent, WI. 5-1-1926, p.1.)

Sources

Associated Press. “Sixth Fireman Dies From Milwaukee Fire.” Appleton Post Crescent, WI. 5-1-1926, p.1. Accessed 3-15-2023: https://newspaperarchive.com/appleton-post-crescent-may-01-1926-p-1/

National Fire Protection Association. Report of Important Dust Explosions: A Record of Dust Explosions in the United States and Canada Since 1860. Boston: NFPA, 1957.

Sheboygan Press, WI. “Fourth of Firemen to Face Death.” 4-23-1926, p. 1. Accessed 3-15-2023 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/sheboygan-press-apr-23-1926-p-1/

United Press. “One Man Dead, Dozen Injured in Fire, Blast.” Stevens Point Daily Journal, WI. 4-21-1926, p. 1. Accessed 3-15-2023 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/stevens-point-daily-journal-apr-21-1926-p-1/

Waukesha Daily Freeman, WI. “Fifth Fireman Dies of Burns.” 4-26-1926, p. 2. Accessed 3-15-2023 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/waukesha-daily-freeman-apr-26-1926-p-2/

Wisconsin State Journal, Madison. “3 Dead, 16 Hurt in Sawdust Blast.” 4-22-1926, p. 1. Accessed 3-15-2023 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/madison-wisconsin-state-journal-apr-22-1926-p-1/