What were some of the major historical fires in Saint Louis?

@arno 

1. Great Fire of 1849: This was the largest and most devastating fire in the history of St. Louis. It occurred on May 17, 1849, and destroyed approximately 23 blocks of the city, including around 422 buildings. The fire started in a stable and quickly spread due to strong winds. It resulted in significant losses and led to improved fire safety measures in the city.
2. Great Cyclone Fire of 1896: On May 27, 1896, St. Louis experienced a massive tornado known as the Great Cyclone. The tornado caused widespread destruction in the city, and fires broke out as a result of downed power lines and damaged gas lines. These fires caused significant additional damage, especially in the southern part of the city.
3. Bevo Mill Fire of 1917: On January 9, 1917, a fire broke out in the iconic Bevo Mill, a prominent St. Louis landmark. The fire destroyed the top of the mill, which was a popular restaurant and social gathering place. While the main structure survived, this fire resulted in the loss of a significant part of the mill's historical architecture.
4. Stouffer's Riverfront Inn Fire of 1974: On February 4, 1974, a fire erupted in the Stouffer's Riverfront Inn, a high-rise hotel located downtown. The fire spread rapidly due to its location and the lack of sprinklers in the building. The fire resulted in the deaths of three people and exposed deficiencies in fire safety regulations.
5. Cupples Warehouse Fire of 2007: On July 22, 2007, a fire engulfed the historic Cupples Station warehouse complex. The complex consisted of several buildings, and the fire extensively damaged two of the six warehouses. It was a significant loss for St. Louis' architectural heritage, as the complex was a part of the National Register of Historic Places.