Cuyahoga River Fire

The Cuyahoga River Fire refers to a series of pollution-related fires in the Cuyahoga River in Ohio, with the most significant occurring in 1969. This event highlighted the severe environmental degradation caused by industrial waste, which had accumulated in the river. The fire drew national attention to issues of water pollution and led to increased environmental awareness. It played a crucial role in the establishment of the Clean Water Act and the Environmental Protection Agency in the early 1970s, marking a pivotal moment in the American environmental movement. The river has since seen substantial restoration efforts.