Guardian Building Goes Up In Flames November 3, 1947

1947-11-03, Fire through the roof of the Guardian building. Nov 3, 1947. Fireman climbing ladder., WHC Collections 2016.012.0008

One of Salem’s largest downtown fires gutted the Guardian Building on the morning of November 3, 1947. Built at the turn of the century, the five-story building at the corner of State and Liberty Streets was one of Salem’s largest office buildings, home to approximately thirty business, including two medical clinics, several dentists and attorneys, a medical laboratory, pharmacy and savings and loan, among others. Total damages to the business was estimated at $500,000.

The fire started in a light well shaft and quickly spread to the rest of the building. Discovered by a janitor at about 7 a.m., the blaze was brought under control at 11 a.m. By the time firemen arrived, smoke in the building was so thick that even with masks, they had trouble seeing. A second alarm brought out all available equipment from Salem’s central fire station, including five pumpers and a ladder truck. In all, 45 firemen fought the blaze. Three suffered injuries, none serious.

The building itself was valued at $200,000, and the owners determined to rebuild as quickly as possible. It is currently the home of Key Bank.

Compiled and written by Kathleen Carlson Clements

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Bibliography:

Oregon Statesman, November 4, 1947.

This article originally appeared on the original Salem Online History site and has not been updated since 2006.