Fireman - Washington DC - Fire at Bedell's Bedding Poster

Colorized photo from 1915 Original Title: Bedell fire, 7 & D, Oct 15, 1915 Location: 638 D Street N.W, Washington. Smoke and haze fills the sky on October 24, 1915, Bedell's mattress company had a large fire. It was believed to be started by a stray nail, hitting the teeth of a cotton machine of some kind at around 10am. The fire started on the 3rd floor and because of the amount of raw kindling in the building, the fire spread quickly. Workers inside assisted firemen to toss the cotton and other goods out the window. Buildings near by were spared because they had fire preventive shutters, and near by alley's, also helped to stop the blaze. A total of $8000 was lost during the fire. The fire was put out some time in the late afternoon.