TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTHI) - News 10 is bringing you the big stories from Wabash Valley history as we prepare to celebrate our platinum jubilee!
In the last 70 years, our team has been on the ground and in the thick of it to bring you the news you need to know, as seen in this coverage of the downtown Terre Haute fire of 1963.
The first fire alarm sounded just after 1 o’clock on the morning of March 20, 1963. The uncontrollable fire started in the basement of the Campus Bowl, located on the backside of The Deming building. It raged down two blocks on the north side of Wabash Avenue between 6th and 9th Streets. The fire would come to be called the worst to ever happen in Terre Haute. It was also the costliest.
The fire destroyed twelve stores and five offices in the heart of downtown. It caused nearly $6 million in damages. The fire was so fierce that it melted signs and light posts on the opposite side of the street. A strong wind sent burning debris in all directions and smoke blanketed a huge chunk of the city.
Two-hundred firefighters from all over the Valley fought hard to extinguish the flames. It took eight hours for crews to get the fire under control. Firefighters even thought to use dynamite to create barriers.
Multiple firefighters were hospitalized and dozens were treated at first aid stations. Thankfully, no one died in the blaze. The cause of the fire is still unknown.
News 10 is bringing you the big stories from Wabash Valley history as we prepare to celebrate our platinum jubilee!
