Our Lady of the Angels, 50 Years Later
By Marcus Gilmer in News on Dec 1, 2008 9:00PM
Today marks the 50th anniversary of the tragic fire at Our Lady of the Angels Catholic school that ultimately claimed the lives of 92 children and three nuns. Over the past weekend, several vigils were held to remember the victims of the fire, including yesterday's public mass at Holy Family Church. Della Maffiola remembered her son Joseph, who was 10 when he was killed in the fire. "It feels like yesterday," she said. "It was like going back 50 years. I went back in time. You wait for your child's name. I couldn't light the candle. My hands were shaking." The ceremony also honored the survivors, firefighters, and other first responders involved in the tragedy.
The fire started that afternoon in the basement and burned for half an hour unnoticed before it spread to the first and second floors. The school's interior was made entirely of wood and a highly flammable wax had been used on the floors. In addition, with only one fire escape and no fire alarm to speak of, the fire spread quickly, trapping many of the children and nuns inside the school and making escape almost impossible. Firefighters arrived within minutes of the call, but the fire had been burning so long by that time and smoke was so widespread, many children died from smoke inhalation. The tragedy was the impetus for major reformation in fire safety in schools and public buildings around the country. For more information, including an extensive photo gallery and information, check out the Our Lady of the Angels Fire Memorial website.