Fire Buffs promote the general welfare of the fire and rescue service and protect its heritage and history. Famous Fire Buffs through the years include New York Fire Surgeon Harry Archer, Boston Pops Conductor Arthur Fiedler, New York Mayor Fiorello LaGuardia and - legend has it - President George Washington.


Wednesday, November 6, 2019

FAIRYLAND FIRE, PATERSON - 1955

Photo: patersonfirehistory.com
On Jan. 15, 1955, a fairyland display in a Paterson home went up in flames during a fund-raising party, claiming the life of its sponsor, Emma Ench.   

The 1,200 square-foot display featured 500 characters from nursery rhymes and story books, according to The Morning Call newspaper.


It was built to raise funds for the Damon Runyon Cancer Fund in memory of Ench's  mother, who died of cancer.


Hundreds of people had visited the display, called the "Land of Let's Believe," over the holidays.

The blaze was apparently sparked by a marshmallow that fell onto the display erected in the basement of the home.


Ench suffered burns trying to extinguish the flames with a pitcher of water.

Firefighter Reginald Ripley pulled her from the first floor "and almost dropped from the intense heat and smoke," the newspaper said.


Twenty-five men, women and children escaped up a stairway with s
ix suffering injuries.

Box 347 was transmitted for 95 Totowa Ave. at 6:42 p.m.