Photos: Grant Road Lumber fire in 1968
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Rick Wiley
Photo editor
- Updated
A "flash fire" that started in lumber storage bins quickly spread to engulf Grant Road Lumber in Tucson on May 14, 1968. A sheriff's deputy at Grant Road Tavern said, "it spread so fast, it looked like arson."
The business closed in 2015 after 66 years. Culinary Dropout restaurant occupies the footprint of the yard. The restored sign remains.
Grant Road Lumber fire in 1968
Updated
A fast moving fire that started in the lumber storage area quickly jumped to the main building during a fire at Grant Road Lumber on May 14, 1968. Tucson Citizen photo
Grant Road Lumber fire in 1968
Updated
Water droplets and debris cloud the camera lens as a Tucson Fire ladder truck pours water on a fire at Grant Road Lumber on May 14, 1968. Tucson Citizen photo
Grant Road Lumber fire in 1968
Updated
Tucson firefighters direct streams into the main building during a fire at Grant Road Lumber on May 14, 1968. Tucson Citizen photo
Grant Road Lumber fire in 1968
Updated
Workers and a Tucson firefighter shore up a wall in danger of collapse during a fire at Grant Road Lumber on May 14, 1968. Tucson Citizen photo
Grant Road Lumber fire in 1968
Updated
A Tucson Fire commander surveys the fire with his "portable" radio during a fire at Grant Road Lumber on May 14, 1968. Tucson Citizen photo
Grant Road Lumber fire in 1968
Updated
Waitresses from a nearby restaurant serve coffee to Tucson Fire commanders during a fire at Grant Road Lumber on May 14, 1968. Tucson Citizen photo
Grant Road Lumber fire in 1968
Updated
Tucson firefighters direct water streams on the main building to try to protect it during a fire at Grant Road Lumber on May 14, 1968. Tucson Citizen photo
Grant Road Lumber fire in 1968
Updated
An estimated 2,000 people crowded Grant Road to watch a fire at Grant Road Lumber on May 14, 1968. Tucson Citizen photo
Grant Road Lumber fire in 1968
Updated
A photographer dressed casually and toting a Nikkormat camera and Honeywall Strobonar during a fire at Grant Road Lumber on May 14, 1968. Tucson Citizen photo
Grant Road Lumber fire in 1968
Updated
Tucson firefighters battle a possible arson fire at Grant Road Lumber on May 14, 1968. Tucson Citizen photo
Grant Road Lumber fire in 1968
Updated
Tucson firefighters direct streams on the lumber storage area during a fire at Grant Road Lumber on May 14, 1968. Tucson Citizen photo
Grant Road Lumber fire in 1968
Updated
Tucson firefighters to project the main building as the lumber storage burns during a fire at Grant Road Lumber on May 14, 1968. Tucson Citizen photo
Grant Road Lumber fire in 1968
Updated
Neighbors and restaurant/bar patrons watch a fire at Grant Road Lumber on May 14, 1968. Tucson Citizen photo
Grant Road Lumber fire in 1968
Updated
Firefighters aim water streams during a fire at Grant Road Lumber on May 14, 1968. Fred E. Bair
Grant Road Lumber fire in 1968
Updated
A vintage Tucson Fire ladder truck in operation at a fire at Grant Road Lumber on May 14, 1968. Fred E. Bair
Grant Road Lumber fire in 1968
Updated
Thousands of spectators watched a fire at Grant Road Lumber on May 14, 1968. Fred E. Bair
Grant Road Lumber fire in 1968
Updated
A Tucson Fire tiller ladder truck streams water during a fire at Grant Road Lumber on May 14, 1968. Fred E. Bair
Grant Road Lumber fire in 1968
Updated
Tucson firefighters during a fire at Grant Road Lumber on May 14, 1968. Fred E. Bair
Rick Wiley
Photo editor
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