The Bandon Fire, 1936

No one is sure how the 1936 fire started, but the blame for the quick spread is gorse, a shrub that was brought in as an ornamental, but proceeded to spread everywhere…a truly invasive species.  What started as a forest fire burning east of town spread quickly when the winds shifted, and when the fire hit the gorse, it was like someone has thrown gasoline on the fire.  Flames rose high in the air, and nothing could stop them.  Throwing water on it was like throwing water on a grease fire.

By the time the fire burned out, the town was flattened.

Here are two photos and a map showing buildings before the 1936 fire.  The third photo shows the devastation after the fire. (note–all photos will open in a new window when you click on them)

For more information go to the Bandon History Museum Facebook page.