The Winecoff Fire by Sam Heys and Allen B. Goodwin

Years ago, an elderly man walked into the fire station I was assigned to and began to talk. He eventually revealed he was in the Winecoff Hotel that horrible night and escaped the fire. His story was amazing (as was his list of things he now does in every hotel before going to sleep.) The Winecoff Hotel was a "Fire Proof" hotel that managed to catch fire and kill 119 guests; many of whom were under 20 years old. It's still the deadliest hotel fire in U.S. history. I'm not going to pump the book up here; it's only an average read. But I'm glad I had read the book and had some knowledge of the fire when that elderly gentlemen visited the station.

Recommended for all ranks (because as member of the fire profession, we should have a knowledge of our history.)