Swirling winds drove the flames quickly, and soon a huge swath of Chelsea was consumed. Nearly 3,000 buildings were destroyed and 19 people lost their lives during the Great Chelsea Fire of April 12, 1908. Smoke and flames were visible for miles, and burning embers carried aloft sparked fires in towns along the South Shore. Losses totaled over $12 million. The cause of the fire is still unknown.
From the Archives: The Great Chelsea Fire of 1908
