Pulaski Park in Chicago in Cook County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
The 1992 River West Gas Fires
Two-hundred and twenty-five fire fighters responded to the emergency. The disaster resulted in 4 fatalities and 18 buildings destroyed or damaged.
Initially the increase in pressure was attributed to a faulty regulator. However, after lengthy investigations, the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) determined that a Peoples Gas Company crew was responsible. While doing routine maintenance on gas pressure valves in a vault at Erie and Green Streets, the crew failed to monitor downstream gas pressure. When the regulators were off-line, normal gas pressure of ¼ PSI soared to at least 10 PSI – 40 times the normal level.
The extreme pressure caused hissing noises in stoves, furnaces, and space heaters. Many individuals shut off their gas service, thereby saving lives and property.
Based on recommendations by the ICC and the NTSB, regulator valves that once controlled entire neighborhoods were replaced by individual regulators at each building. Increased training for gas crews was also initiated.
This marker is mounted at 911 North Willard Street, one of the original buildings damaged by the River West Gas Fires.
Sponsored by the Neighbors of River West, Timothy O’Mahony, and the Illinois State Historical Society
Erected 2008 by Illinois State Historical Society.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Disasters. In addition, it is included in the Illinois State Historical Society series list. A significant historical month for this entry is January 1293.
Location. 41° 53.914′ N, 87° 39.505′ W. Marker is in Chicago, Illinois, in Cook County. It is in Pulaski Park. Marker is at the intersection of North Willard Court and North Milwaukee Avenue, on the right when traveling north on North Willard Court. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 911 North Willard Court, Chicago IL 60642, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Nelson Algren (approx. 1.1 miles away); a different marker also named Nelson Algren (approx. 1.1 miles away); Carter H. Harrison (approx. 1.1 miles away); Fountain Court Enhancement (approx. 1.1 miles away); Charles Gustavus Wicker (approx. 1.2 miles away); Ignacy Jan Paderewski (1860 - 1941) (approx. 1.2 miles away); Site of the Haymarket Tragedy (approx. 1.2 miles away); Wicker Park (approx. 1.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Chicago.
Credits. This page was last revised on January 30, 2023. It was originally submitted on November 28, 2012, by Paul Fehrenbach of Germantown, Wisconsin. This page has been viewed 1,612 times since then and 179 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on November 28, 2012, by Paul Fehrenbach of Germantown, Wisconsin. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.