FACTArchive →
Absolutely Fireproof
FACT
@fact5
Dark HistoryMay 12, 2026

Absolutely Fireproof

Absolutely Fireproof Chicago, December 30, 1903. The Iroquois Theatre had opened just over a month earlier. Its ads called it 'absolutely fireproof.' A spotlight ignited a curtain during the matinee. Exit doors opened inward and many were locked. Around 602 people died, mostly women and children. It remains the deadliest single-building fire in US history.

See it on Facebook →← All facts
Share → X Reddit WhatsApp Threads Facebook
Spot an error? Email hello@thefact5.com with a source — we correct visibly.
KEEP SCROLLING

More strange facts ✦

The barber pole is a surgery sign. 💈
FACT
@fact5
Dark History
The barber pole is a surgery sign. 💈
Camping lanterns once glowed with radioactive thorium. ☢️
FACT
@fact5
Dark History
Camping lanterns once glowed with radioactive thorium. ☢️
That hole in your pen cap can preserve an airway. 🖊️
FACT
@fact5
Dark History
That hole in your pen cap can preserve an airway. 🖊️
Bubble Wrap began as wallpaper nobody wanted. 🫧
FACT
@fact5
Dark History
Bubble Wrap began as wallpaper nobody wanted. 🫧
The man who voiced Tony the Tiger for 54 years hated sugary cereal and never let his own children eat Frosted Flakes.
FACT
@fact5
Ironic Twists
The man who voiced Tony the Tiger for 54 years hated sugary cereal and never let his own children eat Frosted Flakes.
James Heselden, the British owner of Segway Inc. who had purchased the company in December 2009, died on September 26, 2010 at age 62 when he rode a Segway off a 30-foot cliff into the River Wharfe near his estate in Boston Spa, West Yorkshire.
FACT
@fact5
Ironic Twists
James Heselden, the British owner of Segway Inc. who had purchased the company in December 2009, died on September 26, 2010 at age 62 when he rode a Segway off a 30-foot cliff into the River Wharfe near his estate in Boston Spa, West Yorkshire.
Moko the dolphin became a whale rescue guide. 🐬
FACT
@fact5
Animal Oddities
Moko the dolphin became a whale rescue guide. 🐬
On September 15, 1830, MP William Huskisson became one of the first widely reported railway fatalities when he was struck by Stephenson's Rocket at the opening of the Liverpool and Manchester Railway, dying that evening after his leg was crushed.
FACT
@fact5
Science Gone Wrong
On September 15, 1830, MP William Huskisson became one of the first widely reported railway fatalities when he was struck by Stephenson's Rocket at the opening of the Liverpool and Manchester Railway, dying that evening after his leg was crushed.
A cat did 20 tricks in 60 seconds. On a skateboard. 🛹
FACT
@fact5
Animal Oddities
A cat did 20 tricks in 60 seconds. On a skateboard. 🛹
Old Tom recruited humans to hunt other whales. 🐋
FACT
@fact5
Animal Oddities
Old Tom recruited humans to hunt other whales. 🐋
She hit him with her car — then drove home and left him in the garage. 🚗
FACT
@fact5
Ironic Twists
She hit him with her car — then drove home and left him in the garage. 🚗
Kelly turned one piece of litter into several fish. 🐬
FACT
@fact5
Animal Oddities
Kelly turned one piece of litter into several fish. 🐬
🎲 Surprise me with another