Summerside, Prince Edward Island — The Atlantic Provinces (North America)
The Summerside Fire of 1906
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L’Incendie de Summerside en 1906
Photographed by Jay Noble, August 28, 2026
1. The Summerside Fire of 1906 Marker
All communities feared fire during the 19th century. Most structures were close together and made of wood. Buildings had been getting taller and equipment for fighting fires was marginal at best. The addition of spark spewing steam locomotives to the traffic of downtown areas only added to the constant danger of fire. The live embers in their exhaust often landed on wooden roof shingles.
On 10 October, 1906 a strong wind was blowing on-shore from the southwest across Summerside. It is believed that sparks caused a fire to erupt on the end of the railway freight shed on Water Street. One hundred and fifty-five buildings were lost that night, including three churches, four hotels, the courthouse and the electric light plant. Most of the area burned was residential. A building boom resulted over the next few years and the opportunity influenced the move of the M.F. Schurman Company from Kensington to Summerside.
The map (centre) from a folding post card shows how the wind carried embers across the town.
Au 19e siècle, le feu est un cauchemar
this page online
Le 10 octobre 1906, un fort vent du sud-ouest souffle de la mer vers Summerside. On croit qu'une étincelle serait à l'origine du brasier qui se déclare dans le hangar à marchandises sur la rue Water, au bout de la voie ferrée. Cette nuit-là, cent cinquante- cinq bâtiments sont détruits par les flammes, y compris trois églises, quatre hôtels, le palais de justice et une centrale électrique. La zone qui brûle est principalement résidentielle. Pendant les années qui suivent le sinistre, l'industrie de la construction connaît un regain d'activités, ce qui décide l'entreprise M.F. Schurman à déménager de Kensington à Summerside.
Topics. This historical
Photographed by Jay Noble, August 28, 2026
2. The Summerside Fire of 1906 Marker
Location. 46° 23.439′ N, 63° 47.131′ W. Marker is in Summerside, Prince Edward Island. It is on Water Street, on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 140 Water Street, Summerside PE C1N 4N6, Canada. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in the Maritimes and in Atlantic Canada. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once a British colony and also the Viceroyalty of New France.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Summerside Steamers / Les bateaux à vapeur de Summerside (here, next to this marker); The Striped Skunk / La Moufette Rayée (here, next to this marker); R.T. Holman Ltd. (here, next to this marker); The College of Piping & Celtic Performing Arts of Canada (here, next to this marker); The Great Trail (about 150 meters away, measured in a direct line); Commemorating The Park Island Hotel - 1872 (about 150 meters away); Bicentennial of United Empire Loyalists and Disbanded Troops (about 150 meters away); Trans Canada Trail Logo (about 180 meters away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Summerside.
Credits. This page was last revised on September 12, 2026. It was originally submitted on September 1, 2026, by Jay Noble of Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island. This page has been viewed 6 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on September 1, 2026, by Jay Noble of Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.
