On this day: December 30

The Iroquois Theatre Fire

The Iroquois Theatre Fire on December 30, 1903, remains the deadliest single-building fire in U.S. history. Billed as "absolutely fireproof," the brand-new Chicago theater became a death trap for more than 600 people, many of whom were children attending a holiday matinee.

Nightclub Blaze in Argentina on December 30 Kills Dozens

On December 30, a fire broke out in an Argentine nightclub, resulting in dozens of deaths and numerous injuries. Investigations and reporting from the time attributed the high toll to rapid fire spread, crowding, and limited emergency exits.

The Iroquois Theatre Fire: Chicago’s Deadly New Year’s Tragedy

On December 30, 1903, a fire at Chicago’s Iroquois Theatre during a packed matinee killed at least 600 people, exposing unsafe building practices and leading to sweeping reforms in fire safety and theater regulation.

Nightclub Fire in Argentina on December 30, 2004 Kills Dozens

On the night of December 30, 2004, a fire broke out at an Argentine nightclub, resulting in dozens of deaths and numerous injuries; investigations and trials followed amid public outcry over safety lapses and regulatory failures.