Great Baltimore fire

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The Great Baltimore Fire raged in Baltimore, Maryland, United
States, on Sunday, February 7, and Monday, February 8, 1904. 1,231
firefighters were required to bring the blaze under control. It
destroyed a major part of central Baltimore, including over 1,500
buildings covering an area of some 140 acres (57 ha).
One reason for the fire's duration was the lack of national standards in
fire-fighting equipment. Although fire engines from nearby cities (such
as Philadelphia and Washington, D.C. as well as units from New York
City, Virginia, Wilmington, and Atlantic City) responded, many could
not help because their hose couplings could not fit Baltimore's
hydrants.
Much of the destroyed area was rebuilt in relatively short order, and
the city adopted a building code, stressing fireproof materials.
Perhaps the greatest legacy of the fire was the impetus it gave to
efforts to standardize firefighting equipment in the United States,
especially hose couplings.