40th Anniv. Of Deadly Gulf Refinery Fire Brings Painful Recollections
By Mike Dunn
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - Today marks the 40th anniversary of one of the largest, longest and most tragic fires in Philadelphia history: the explosion and fire at the old Gulf Oil Refinery that claimed eight firefighters.
A ceremony today brought remembrances from relatives of the victims and those who survived.
August 17, 1975 marked the start of the Gulf Oil blaze. It took six full days to control, and when it was over, eight firefighters were dead.
Among those who recalled the tragedy was retired fire captain Bob Higgins:
"The street that we were working in flashed over. We lost our eight heroic members. Every day, every day, we feel this. Eight firefighters woke up. Eight firefighters kissed their families goodbye, not knowing they would not come home."
Six firefighters died at the scene, two others died later of their burns. Fourteen others suffered burns and other injuries.
Of those, only David Schoolfield remains, and he recalled the horrific scene:
"I ran in, I saw guys that were burning. I couldn't get to them and it bothered me. Everyone was screaming for me to get out. And when I went to turn, that's when I went up in the flame."
Also speaking at the ceremony at the Fireman's Hall Museum in Old City was Lois Campana, widow of firefighter Ralph Campana, one of the eight men who died:
"My husband's memory will never die. His children and my grandchildren are reminded on a daily basis. We pray every day for him. For all the fallen firefighters."
"It is just hoped that in 40 years, lessens have been learned, information has been gained, to protect our firefighters, so that none of this will ever happen again," Campana said.
The solemn ceremony was attended by Fire Commissioner Derrick Sawyer and Mayor Nutter.
"Their loved ones will carry them in their hearts forever, and we will also. It's because of their service and sacrifice that so many of us are safe and secure today," said Nutter.
