Photos: Pioneer Hotel fire in downtown Tucson, 1970
- Rick Wiley
Rick Wiley
Photo editor
- Updated
The Pioneer Hotel fire in downtown Tucson on Dec. 20, 1970, resulted in 29 deaths.
Pioneer Hotel fire in Tucson
Updated
Tucson firefighers apply a steady stream of water during the Pioneer Hotel fire in Dec. 1970. Tucson's firefighting equipment was ruled inadequate following this fire when they were unable to aid many trapped on the higher floors.
Tucson CitizenPioneer Hotel fire in Tucson
Updated
Victims are removed from the front the entrance to the Pioneer Hotel in Dec. 1970.
Tucson CitizenPioneer Hotel fire in Tucson
Updated
A firefighter sprays water on windows of the upper floors of the Pioneer Hotel fire on Dec. 20, 1970.
Arizona Daily Star filePioneer Hotel fire in Tucson
Updated
A injured firefighter is wheeled to an ambulance at the Pioneer Hotel fire on Dec. 20, 1970.
Arizona Daily Star filePioneer Hotel fire in Tucson
Updated
Firefighters on an old Tucson Fire ladder truck help a woman down from the upper floors during the Pioneer Hotel fire on Dec. 20, 1970.
Arizona Daily Star filePioneer Hotel fire in Tucson
Updated
A man stands at the window on one of the upper floors of the Pioneer Hotel fire on Dec. 20, 1970, as the fire rages above.
Arizona Daily Star filePioneer Hotel fire in Tucson
Updated
A firefighter helps an unidentified man after plucking him from a room near the top of the Pioneer International Hotel which caught fire early in Dec. 1970.
Manuel Miera/Tucson CitizenPioneer Hotel fire in Tucson
Updated
People in downtown Tucson gaze up at the Pioneer Hotel the morning after the deadly fire in Dec. 1970.
Dan Tortorell / Tucson CitizenPioneer Hotel fire in Tucson
Updated
People in downtown Tucson gaze up at the Pioneer Hotel the morning after the deadly fire in Dec. 1970.
Dan Tortorell / Tucson CitizenPioneer Hotel fire in Tucson
Updated
Flames and smoke shoot from the windows in the upper floors during the Pioneer Hotel fire in Dec. 1970.
Tucson CitizenPioneer Hotel fire in Tucson
Updated
Flames and smoke shoot from the windows in the upper floors as firefighters extend the ladder to save those below during the Pioneer Hotel fire in Dec. 1970.
Tucson CitizenPioneer Hotel fire in Tucson
Updated
Victims are removed from the front entrance to the Pioneer Hotel in Dec. 1970.
Manuel Miera / Tucson CitizenPioneer Hotel fire in Tucson
Updated
Victims are removed from the front entrance to the Pioneer Hotel in Dec. 1970.
Jack Sheaffer / Arizona Daily StarPioneer Hotel fire in Tucson
Updated
Pioneer Hotel fire in Tucson
Updated
The Pioneer Hotel never recovered from the 1970 fire, said Bettina Lyons, niece of the couple who owned the hotel. "Even though they put money into it and put sprinkler systems in, people did not come to stay."
Jack Sheaffer / Arizona Daily StarPioneer Hotel fire in Tucson
Updated
Pioneer Hotel Fire
Arizona Daily StarPioneer Hotel fire in Tucson
Updated
Tucson firefighters climb a ladder at the Pioneer Hotel Fire in 1970. Courtesy of Tucson Fire Department
Tucson Fire Dept.Pioneer Hotel fire in Tucson
Updated
Smoke billows from the upper floor of the Pioneer International Hotel as three firemen work to rescue survivors of the early-morning blaze. The firemen at the bottom is helping an elderly Pioneer tenant to walk down the ladder.
Jack Scheaffer / Arizona Daily StarPioneer Hotel fire in Tucson
Updated
Fireman help the injured at the Pioneer Hotel blaze in Dec. 1970.
Jack Sheaffer / Arizona Daily StarPioneer Hotel fire in Tucson
Updated
A hotel patron is helped down the ladder to safety during the Pioneer Hotel Fire in Dec. 1970.
Tucson CitizenPioneer Hotel fire in Tucson
Updated
The aftermath of the Pioneer Hotel Fire in Dec. 1970.
Tucson CitizenPioneer Hotel fire in Tucson
Updated
Funeral of victims of the Pioneer Hotel Fire in Dec. 1970.
Tucson CitizenPioneer Hotel fire in Tucson
Updated
Aftermath of the Pioneer Hotel Fire in Dec. 1970.
Tucson CitizenPioneer Hotel fire in Tucson
Updated
Aftermath of the Pioneer Hotel Fire in Dec. 1970.
Tucson CitizenPioneer Hotel fire in Tucson
Updated
Aftermath of the Pioneer Hotel in Dec. 1970.
Tucson CitizenPioneer Hotel fire in Tucson
Updated
The Pioneer Hotel in 1963.
Tucson CitizenPioneer Hotel fire in Tucson
Updated
The Pioneer Hotel, foreground left, on Stone Ave. on Nov. 10, 1971, nearly a year after the devastating fire that left 29 dead.
Tucson CitizenTags
Rick Wiley
Photo editor
View this profile on Instagram#ThisIsTucson 🌵 (@this_is_tucson) • Instagram photos and videos
Most viewed stories
-
Over 40 free events happening in Tucson this December! ⛄
-
Save the date! Here's the ultimate list of Tucson holiday events 🎄
-
A large list of fun and festive events in December! 🎄❄️
-
20 gifts under $20 from Tucson shops! 🎄🎁
-
17 festive holiday markets that support Tucson artisans
-
A giant guide to gifts made by Tucson makers and small businesses
-
Cafe Maggie suddenly closes doors on Tucson's North Fourth Avenue
-
Get fresh bread and flaky, buttery croissants at the MSA Annex's new micro-bakery 🥖
-
Where to get your tamales this holiday season, recommended by our readers
-
More than 40 fun events in Tucson, December 12-14! ❄️✨



