San Francisco Is Burning: The Untold Story of the 1906 Earthquake and Fires

by Dennis Smith

Killing hundreds and leaving a city in ruins, the San Francisco earthquake of 1906 stands as one of the greatest natural disasters in American history. But the aftermath of the quake—the fires that raged across the city for days and claimed the lives of thousands more—was an all too human disaster whose story has remained largely untold. Until now.

Employing the same vivid prose and storytelling skill that made his Report from Ground Zero a national bestseller, Dennis Smith reconstructs those harrowing days from the perspective of the people who lived through them. Smith draws on hundreds of individual accounts and official documents to unearth the true story of the fires—from the corrupt officials who left the city woefully unprepared for disaster, to the militia officers who enforced martial law with deadly force, to the individual heroes who battled the blaze and saved untold lives. San Francisco Is Burning is a thrilling disaster tale that brings a lost chapter of history back to riveting life. BACKCOVER: “Riveting.”
—The Washington Post

“So riveting it is enraging…[Smith’s] message is the one that matters most.”
—San Francisco Chronicle

“A finely woven human story of tragedy, death, heroism and blunder…This book is an eye-opener in many ways, and a good read, to boot.”
—The Associated Press

Genres: History, Nonfiction, American History, Audiobook, Cities, Adult, Historical

304 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2005

About the author

During his 18 years as a New York City firefighter, Dennis Smith developed a profound respect for the professionalism of the firefighters, police officers, EMTs, and nurses with whom he worked in the more than 40 alarms his engine company responded to every day. He witnessed their willingness to give of themselves in the course of their duty. His experiences in the fire service have been immortalized in his books, most notably "Report from Engine Co. 82," which became an immediate New York Times bestseller, sold 3 million copies, and was translated into 13 languages.

In 2001, Dennis responded to the attack on the World Trade Center, arriving there just as the second building fell. He stayed for 57 consecutive days, first in rescue work and then in recovery. The following year, he wrote “Report from Ground Zero,” which also rose to the top of the bestseller lists.

Dennis has spent half of his life in the emergency service and the other half writing books. His experience and reputation make him powerfully and uniquely able to represent the interests and needs of emergency professionals and departments. His career as firefighter, best-selling author, magazine publisher, business leader, and director of important youth service and emergency-service not-for-profit organizations provides him with a sound point of view about what is needed to make the world better and more connected.

Dennis Smith most recently founded an international social media website: www.wavepeg.com.

Reviews

[Kimba Tichenor · Rating 2 out of 5]

This popular history recounts the 1906 earthquake in San Francisco and the resulting fires. Like many popular histories, it tries to recreate the drama of the original events and thus give the reader a feeling of being there. In principle, I have no issue with this strategy; however too often, it results in the author crossing the line that separates history from historical fiction. In this book, Dennis Smith does not just cross that line; he recklessly tramples over it. Repeatedly he presumes to know the feelings of these historical actors without any documentation to back it up. For example, he writes, "Rudolph Spreckel looks at his pregnant wife in the bed and thought about how much he loved her." Similarly, Smith details the thoughts of John Pond when he visits his former commander Frederick Freeman on his deathbed, "But today John Pond was thinking that 'Frisky' with his deep blue eyes closed and his head barely resting against a hard pillow, as if sculpted for a ceremonial sarcophagus, seemed to be caught in a sort of lethargic remove..." Such descriptions may lend drama to the narrative, but they also create doubts in the reader's mind about what else the author may have embellished or altered to make the narrative have greater appeal to a mass audience.

[Jann · Rating 4 out of 5]

After our trip to San Francisco, I really wanted to read more, especially about the fire boats. Naturally, that was the activity my husband (a firefighter) picked, and I thought it would be really interesting to learn more about why SFFD thought they were necessary-- the story of the fires and earthquakes quickly made it obvious! Plus, it was a really great look at what the turn-of-the-century firefighters were like and how different things are today.

It was also an account of some of the involved individuals and an analysis of what went wrong that allowed the vast majority of a large city to burn. Some people, especially politicians, are often in a hurry to look good rather than make the ugly decisions, and in this case it totally backfired on them. Scary to think of the possibility/reality that history often repeats itself!

I also disagree with reviews that state this should be considered historical fiction because the writer attributed thoughts and feelings to the people involved. If you read through his notes and comments about the research involved, it's true the people involved are long-dead, but it's also true that the people he mentions are included because they left behind their own later accounts of the goings-on.

[Korynn · Rating 1 out of 5]

The style of this book irked me tremendously, unreasonably perhaps. I just don't like books that parade to be non-fiction and then launch into sentences like "Rudolph Spreckels looked at his pregnant wife in bed and thought about how much he loved her." In the first place this individual is long dead and cannot possibly tell us now how exactly he felt on the night before the 1906 earthquake so I just feel that it's bad practice as a historian. The next problem I have with this book is that it makes everyone out to be either a beautiful golden hero or a mustache-twisting villain...honestly, just slap historical fiction on it and be done. Overall, I can't trust it and I can highly recommend instead reading

[Alaina · Rating 5 out of 5]

immersive narrative of the 8.0 earth quake that lead to the largest fire in America in 1906

[Jimmy · Rating 3 out of 5]

How much can you say about an earthquake? Really, not much. And it was the fire that took most of the 3,000 or so lives.

Sadly, most of my takeaways were dealt with the negative side of what happened. The corruption. The incompetence. The bravery and heroism are almost overwhelmed by the negativity.

Soldiers were often drunk and were told to shoot looters. Which they did. And not only that, they shot people who disobeyed even briefly according to many reports.

Some were given dynamite to blow up buildings and create firewalls. Give a man a stick of dynamite and he will use it. And they sure did. They even started fires by their indiscriminate use of dynamite.

There was a lack of manpower and water and equipment to fight the fires.

We are no better prepared today.

[Katrina · Rating 2 out of 5]

He waits until the very last page to include this
Author’s Note:
“This is not an academic work, but an ‘historical narrative’ and I have not footnoted the facts so that the reader would not be diffused in the reading. However, all information contained in the book may be relied upon as historically accurate.”

What? Then it’s fiction, son.
It reads like a thesis that needs an advisor to slash 1/3 of its rambling side forays of semi-autobiographical tales of inconsequential persons, political drama of the era as well as events one is left wondering 1. Did it happen 2. why should we care 3. What does it have to do with the great quake and fire?
So many non sequiturs. My brain hurts.

PS Mansplaining.

[Michael · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pretty good book. Stays true to the title. It briefly covers San Francisco history and the actual earthquake, then it focuses on the fire. My only problem was the writing style. Uses a lot of names and then gives you a brief history of those people and a lot of them weren't really necessary. This is my second attempt on a book about the 1906 earthquake, the first book was horrible, this one was decent. I figure there has to be a book out there that really brings this event to life, but I doubt I'll bother to read a third book on the subject. Not bad though, I would give it 3 and a half stars, if I could.

[R.Friend · Rating 3 out of 5]

A decent account of both the earthquake and subsequent fires, with interesting insight to key personalities—firemen, politicians, military officers, and citizens alike. Smith utilizes a bit too much artistic license, however, in conveying the thoughts of these people at times. Unless such thoughts were truly documented, (which these do not seem to be) they tend to undermine the legitimacy of the book.

[Cory Brandley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not a bad book overall, lots of very good information on the earthquake, the fires that followed, and the corruption that plagued the city. My 3 star rating comes from the unevenness of writing in my opinion, the information was there, it just didn't feel smooth which kept me from really sinking into the book. I'm glad I read it and would recommend it to anyone interested in the 1906 fire, just realize you might have to push through some parts to make it to the end.

[Emily · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not quite nonfiction, not quite fiction. It reads like nonfiction, but Smith puts a lot of thoughts and motives into the heads of historical figures. That said, it was an interesting read. I learned a lot about the earthquake and fires of 1906, and also a bit about the complications of dealing with disasters in general.

[Edgarr Alien Pooh · Rating 4 out of 5]

"I lot of what drew me to this book is the fact that I had no idea this atrocity had ever happened. Sure, I knew of great fires in Boston and London but not these so instantly I was intrigued.

In 1906 a massive earthquake struck out in the San Francisco bay causing instantaneous panic amongst the people and significant damage to the city. Three days later very little of the city was left standing although the quake was only directly responsible for about 20% of the damage.

Dennis Smith, author of Report From Ground Zero, vividly describes the three days of San Franciscan hell, and hell is the aptest description for it. As the earthquake rumbled through a series of substantial aftershocks it became apparent that the real eme
rgency was about to begin. Fires flared across San Fransisco, in the inner city and the outer 'burbs, caused but candle lights and small wood heaters toppling and setting light to delicate fabrics and wooden walls. These fires accounted for 80% of the annihilation of San Francisco that the earthquake could not achieve.

1906 was a different era, the fire department pulled water tanks around by horse and cart and they connected hoses to large cisterns built into the city streets, cisterns that were the responsibility of the city to keep maintained and filled. Needless to say, this was a job that was easily forgotten.

So when the fires erupted around the city - four major ones to begin with - the department's volunteers were all alerted and rushed to their stations, one major one having been crumbled by the quake. Horses were scattering from broken walls, some were trapped, all were spooked and already the people had started pouring out onto the streets in a d
aze.

We've all heard the saying about ""too many Chiefs"" and this describes the scene immediately. Too many Fire Chiefs. The fire brigade was not left to deal with the situation as best they knew how, politicians, rich socialites and 'well-meaning' others decided to become involved and run the tasks. The military became involved and ships were sailed into the harbour but throughout a lack of common purpose led to disaster.

A true story of inept leadership, corrupt politics, death and destruction, poor decisions and a lack of equipment that turned a frightened San Francisco into a wasteland. A fascinating book that one could only wish was fictional.


"

[Jordan Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

The San Francisco earthquake of 1906 was devastating in and of itself but it was the resultant fires that truly destroyed one of America’s most populous (and popular) cities of the early 20th century.

With the same exacting detail and research he demonstrated In Report From Ground Zero and the autobiographical Report From Engine Co. 82, Dennis Smith tells the story of l the titular event with the characters who were there and the history of that fateful day, before, during, and after. With damning proof Smith makes sure to inform readers that while earthquakes are unavoidable, the fire storm that engulfed San Fran could have been contained, but for a nearly comedy of errors, bad city planning, and a ruling government rife with corruption.

But this is not just a story of wonton destruction. It is also a biography of the mini men, women, and every day citizens that, in the face of overwhelming odds, somehow managed to look death in the eye and overcome one of the most destructive events in the American pants.

As a former New York fireman, It’s obvious this momentous situation is near and dear to Smith’s heart, as he takes the time to put in the research and write a nonfiction book that is easily readable and informative.

And while I moderately enjoyed what Smith presented with San Francisco is on Burning, I can also see why other readers have mixed feelings in regards to its content. This isn’t the most exciting non fiction book I’ve read about natural disasters or situations. Smith does fine with writing about the real life characters, but he does tend to wax poetic at times, or leave things far too brief at others.

There’s also the most common complaint of Smith taking a bit of literary freedom in describing emotions or feelings of these people. In the afterword he tries to explain it away by describing “San Francisco is Burning” as a “historical narrative” and not an “academic work”. Personally, this isn’t as big a deal to me as it is to others, however, for those purists, I can understand the slight annoyance it can cause.

[Jessie · Rating 4 out of 5]

San Francisco is Burning

And the flames are spreading quickly. Dennis Smith’s book on the tragedy is incredibly insightful, touching, personal, frightening and creates awareness that such an event can really happen and how powerless human beings are to stop it.

A historical narrative rather than straight facts was a very smart move to make for this subject matter. It gets you into the heart of the people who had been faced against insurmountable tragedy and both gives you hope, and brings you back to reality, depending on whose account you are reading. It made it an easier read, less dry, and sucks you in the same way that a fictional book does. But the realness of the feelings, the fear - it never lets you forget that this did, unfortunately, happen.

The second last chapter, about the author himself talking to current firefighters and explaining the fire station situation today is a real warning to the government and to the people. The world, or at least San Francisco, is not ready for another event like It scares me into wanting to be more prepared - creating lists of things that I would take, learning not to panic, and to follow my instincts. Not putting trust in inexperienced men who would just add to the destruction is a lesson that also is learned through the book.

The only criticisms that I do have is that there are quite a few spelling mistakes so a better editor may be useful, as well - if you are an animal lover, you may want to merely skim the first half of the book. There are too many details about horrifying animals deaths.

7/10

[Vic Lauterbach · Rating 4 out of 5]

This stirring account fills a void in the literature on the great earthquake and fire of 1906. The focus is on the response to the disaster. Army General Funston who took charge was undoubtedly a brave and capable soldier, but his lack of firefighting knowledge led to a series of poor decisions that greatly increased the destruction of the city. The political background and consequences are also presented and examined with an emphasis on how the disaster became a catalyst for successful anti-corruption efforts in the years following. Most surprising to me was how the entire official report on the fire and most records were inexplicably lost, and that photos of the fire were rare until a trove of photos was discovered in 1963 hidden in a home for unknown reasons. Lastly, Smith looks at how prepared San Francisco is today and what was learned from the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake. Unsurprisingly, he concludes that the city probably overestimates its disaster response capabilities. Spending to prepare for something that may never happen is always going to be a tough sell politically. The only deficiency of this book is its single map. That one is good, but readers (like me) who are unfamiliar with the geography of the bay area really need more maps. Including maps showing the hourly and daily advance of the fires with the landmarks mentioned in the test marked would be a great addition. I still recommend this book to anyone interested in the period.

[Jacinda · Rating 4 out of 5]

As most of the reviews already said, interesting information, mildly irksome writing technique. Telling a story about a mum waking up during the earthquake and checking in the kids who remain asleep only to then return to bed without realising there was a gas leak - well basically there is no survivor to that tale who could confirm whether that even happened. That said they're pretty benign attempts at making the story more 'human' so for the sake of the interesting topic, I let it slide.

I particularly found the mentions of historic firefighting techniques fascinating and the overall fire fighting vs the army like some horrid slap stick comedy gone bad. The whole story is just one huge comedy or errors that leaves you amazed that any buildings survived at all.

[Sara Kreps · Rating 3 out of 5]

Overall a good account of the aftermath of San Francisco's 1906 earthquake, albeit with a narrow focus. The author has two interests here: firefighting and anti-government. While he admits the book is focused on the efforts to fight the fires caused by the 1906 earthquake, and a bit how the local corruption affected it, the corruption takes up more than its fair share of the book. The author also trends to some distracting digressions, ones that seem to have only tenuous connections to the narrative.

[Mallory · Rating 1 out of 5]

This was the most haphazardly written and edited book. I made a valiant effort but ended up quitting with 100 more pages left. I just couldn’t take it anymore. I have read plenty of narrative non-fiction/history and generally like it. This was a case where it was executed poorly. The author was a firefighter, and he brings in much criticism from that angle of how the city bungled its handling of the situation. However, he introduced so many people early on and there never seemed to be one standard narrative we were following all the way through.

[Anthony Bracciante · Rating 4 out of 5]

This account of the 1906 San Francisco earthquake and subsequent fires reveals that while the damage caused by the earthquake was quite substantial, most of the fires that burned for three days were the result of a lack of solid leadership and poor decisions. The author Dennis Smith is a former fireman that worked in the busiest firehouse in the South Bronx during the 1970s-1980s when the Bronx was burning. His history of the 1906 San Francisco disaster is an engaging story.

[Rick Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

In 1972, I read Dennis Smith's first book, Report From Engine Co. 82. It was a fantastic book and I loved Smith's writing style. That same style is evident in this book and he weaves a great narrative that includes many human interest stories not only from the rich, famous, and prominent citizens of San Francisco in 1906, but he tells the forgotten story of others including the firefighters, police officers, military, civilians, business owners, and much more.

[Larry James · Rating 1 out of 5]

There are no footnotes or endnotes because it is clear from the narrative that entire situations throughout this book have been concocted whole-cloth by the author with zero source records to substantiate them. This is not so much a nonfiction book as it is historical fiction set against the backdrop of the earthquake and fire. Sloppy, fictionalized history has no place in nonfiction.

[Jim Statham · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good book on the infamous 1906 earthquake and fire.

I would recommend this to anyone to understand civil emergency management. While the earthquake was destructive, the resulting fire was worse and the response to the fire compounded it more.

[D. Wickles · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've always been interested in the 1906 earthquake and fire in San Francisco so I picked up this book. I did enjoy it. It is heavy on the firemen and fire companies that tried to save the city so fans of firefighters will learn even more history of fighting fires.

[Caitlin Hall]

The author lives in a world of squared-jawed men who are adored by their employees and women who fall asleep clutching bibles. I think I live elsewhere, but I am not an award-winning firefighter. The highlight for me was learning the origins of local place names.

[Rachel Betts · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF. I really tried to learn from this book. The editing was terrible, and the author went on long tangents. It was hard to keep track of all the many characters and stories. There is too much jumping around.

[David Grassé · Rating 4 out of 5]

An enjoyable read and very well researched (though, alas, without citations). Made me want to visit the City by the Bay again, and tour some the sites the author speaks of.

[Deborah · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was a repetitive, informative yawn. I was not able to finish listening to this novel. After about 75%, I just couldn't listen to anymore. Perhaps in the distant future, I may resume.

[Larry Farren · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good book. The Navy seems better than the Army in this emergency.

[J. Allen Nelson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fascinating account of the notorious earthquake and the disastrous responses to it that led to even more tragedy in the following fires and chaos.

[Tim Wester · Rating 2 out of 5]

A little long but lots of good detail explaining what happened

[Chris Doelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love a good history. Dennis Smith does a great job of adding some humanity to a part of history that is traditionally told in a paragraph or two. This was a really good read.