1919 Standard Oil Company fire

On September 13, 1919, a fire and explosion occurred at the Standard Oil Company in Greenpoint, Brooklyn, New York City.

Fire
The Standard Oil Company Campus and former Astral Oil Works was spread out over 20 acre. A fire broke in Tank No. 36 on the Standard Oil Company Campus around 2:00 p.m., but before the New York City Fire Department was called, the tank ignited, sparking off multiple fires throughout the campus. The yard held large quantities of naphtha, gasoline, oil and alcohol and more 1000 barrels of other explosive and flammable liquids. The fire burned furiously for three days, destroying millions of gallons of oil and caused damage estimated at $5,000,000 ($0 in 2024). Over 1,000 firemen fought the spectacular blaze, 300 of which were treated for burns and minor injuries.

Standard Oil’s Brooklyn refinery may have been an intentional attempt to clear the land and draw insurance. The fire site is now the location of the Bayside Fuel Oil depot at Bushwick Inlet.