The Cuyahoga River Bursts into Flames
At a glance:
- Series: Great Events from History II: Ecology and the Environment Series
- Categories: Science, Environmental Issues, Disasters
- Subcategories: Industry, Manufacturing, Factories, Ecology, Environment, Conservation, Pollution, Toxic Waste
- Curriculum: American History 1951-present
- Geographical Location: Ohio
- Date: June 22, 1969
Article abstract: The oil-slicked Cuyahoga River at Cleveland, Ohio, caught on fire as a result of waste discharges from waterfront industries.
Summary of Event
The Cuyahoga River fire occurred at approximately 12:00 noon on Sunday, June 22, 1969. The fire was quickly brought under control, but not before it had done some $50,000 worth of damage to two key railroad trestles over the river in the “flats” area of Cleveland. An oil slick on the river had caught fire and had floated under the wooden bridges, setting fire to both of them. Witnesses...
[The entire page is 2231 words long]
Join eNotes
Over 3,500 study guides, question and answer forums, literature criticism, reference content, and much more!
