The 1923 Berkeley Fire
THE 1923 BERKELEY FIRE
On the morning of September 17, 1923, a grass fire spread from Wildcat Canyon over the hills into Berkeley. Driven
by hot, dry winds, the fire spread rapidly across the northeast residential district of the city, burning as far south and
west as this downtown block.
In just a few hours, nearly 600 homes and entire blocks burned north of the University of California campus
and east of Shattuck Avenue. Downwind, a rain of blowing embers started small fires and endangered
buildings throughout the business district and in central, west, and south Berkeley.
The Berkeley Fire Department and fire engine companies from other cities -- including some rushed over from San
Francisco on a ferry boat-- fought to save the city. Finally in late afternoon when the winds died down, they were able
to contain the fire. East of the developed parts of the city and the University campus, the fire continued to burn
through the dry hills and canyons well into the night.
Professional firefighters were assisted by many volunteers, including hundreds of University of California students.
Additional hundreds helped to evacuate people, save belongings, and guard the burned areas after the fire. Although
no lives were lost, thousands of Berkeley residents were left homeless, including more than 1,000 -- about 10% -- of
all University students and nearly one in four faculty families.
Across Oxford Street from this site, the northwest corner of the University of California campus was at the time a
large field used for athletics and military drill practice. The field became a gathering place for refugees and salvaged
belongings. Sites including Stevens Union (later Stephens Hall) on the campus, Berkeley's City Hall, Washington
School, and the National Guard Armory on Addison Street were turned into relief centers and temporary shelters.
In commemoration of the 75th Anniversary of the Fire
Berkeley Historical Plaque Project
1998
Submitted by @pgmacfarlane