BaltimoreCityFireFighter.com
Honoring those who have fallen in the line of duty
Charles F. Bertram
Fireman
Unit Assigned - Engine 2
Event Date - October 29, 1866
Death Date - November 1, 1866
Building Fire
Building Collapse
246 West Baltimore Street
Box - 3
Of note - Multi-story businesses
Photo unavailable
Fireman Charles F. Bertrman, along with others where injured when the front cornice fell down upon members working from ladders and ground.
It was reported a fire broke out on the third floor of a four-story building. It is listed in the report that each floor housed a different business.
It is also noted that the heavy rain was falling and a fierce wind was coming from the east, causing alarm to all involved the fire may spread to the west.
Information found, goes on to state that the members injured, were advancing a hose line up a wooden ground ladder in the front of the building towards the third-floor when the collapse occurred.
Fireman Bertram Was listed as the most seriously injured, with bilateral fractures to his legs, a spinal injury and multiple internal injuries.
News CoverageRegarding Event
Baltimore Sun
October 30, 1866
Headline - Destructive Fire on Baltimore Street Three Firemen Severely Injured
The other serious injuries were to Thomas S Rodeslie (?) and William B. Norris (E-2)
In addition to the details of the injuries, the article closes with mention of the great work of the Baltimore City Fire Department to prevent a major conflagration in the city that night.
Baltimore Sun
November 2, 1866
Headline - Death of Mr. Chas F. Bertram
As was the method at the time, Fireman Bertram was taken to his home, were he passed away.
It is reported that his residence was 214 West Pratt St., where he lived with his wife and family.
List of benefits for the family included $1000 from the Travelers Insurance Company and $500 from the Southern Accident Insurance Company of Virginia.
Baltimore Sun
November 2, 1866
Headline - Death of Mr. Chas F. Bertram
The funeral took place at 2:30 PM on November 2, 1866. The entire department was asked to be present and citizens were asked to wear a crape on their left arm.
The bells of the various engine houses were to be tolled from 2 PM until 3 PM on the day of the funeral, and all engine houses were to display the national anthem at half mast from the steeples.
Learn MoreAbout What Happened
Bad-ass Foreman
Injured Foreman of E-2 Walks Home
William Norris, Foreman E-2, was rescued from the rubble by other firefighters.
He then walked from the fireground to his home at 177 North Eutaw Street and awaited a doctor. It is reported that his broken arm was set in his home.
Pharmacy becomes ER
Williamson's drug store one block away - Lombard/Hanover Streets
Thomas S. Rodeslie was carried from the fire ground to the corner of Hanover and Lombard for treatment at a local pharmacy.
It is reported as of 10 PM, on the night of the fire, he was then transferred to his home.
Others Injured
Also listed on the same fire.
W. C Simms and William M. Sullivan, of Engine 2, and W. Lyons, of Engine 4, received slight Injuries also from the collapse.
