1919 Circus fire

The 1919 circus fire occurred on July 6 in Niles, Ohio, when a portable wooden stand holding a large fireproof tent for the Ringling Bros. Circus caught fire during a performance. The fire spread quickly, trapping many spectators inside. The cause is believed to be faulty lighting or a discarded cigarette. Trapped victims struggled to escape as the fire advanced, resulting in 164 deaths and over 600 injuries. It remains one of the deadliest fire incidents in American history, highlighting the importance of fire safety and proper emergency procedures in large public venues.