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Historic U.S. Fires, 1871-2003: Pioneer Hotel

Fires that had lasting impact

28 killed

Open stairways. Flammable carpeting and holiday decorations. Ladders that would not reach to the upper stories of the building. All played a role in the story of Arizona's deadliest fire. But more than 40 years after the fact, the Pioneer Hotel blaze became part of the debate over the science of arson investigation.

Hotel burning

            Image: Arizona Star