Whitechapel Fires 1888
On August 30th, 1888, around 8:45pm, the Whitechapel fire brigade was alerted to a fire that broke out at the London Docks. The firehouse quickly dispatched all fire trucks to assist with the fire that burned well into the early hours of August 31st.
The London Docks was an area in the South Quay Warehouses that stored gin and brandy. The alcohol ignited the flames and intensified the fire. The fire spread quickly and by 10:30pm a crowd gathered to watch the out-of-control fire.
The fire brigade managed to contain a portion of the fire but by 11:00pm the warehouse roof was completely burned away.
There were two fires at the docks on this night, which also happens to be the same night that Polly Nichols (Mary Ann-Nichols) was murdered. Both fires are mentioned at both the Nichols and Chapman inquests and provided part of John Pizer's alibi.
