Cuyahoga River Fire of 1969

Date Range

1969/1970

Title

Cuyahoga River Fire of 1969

What occurred

The Cuyahoga River Fire of 1969 caught the attention of the world. It fell perfectly into the time period where environmental disasters like this were not going unnoticed anymore. Although not lasting super long, the fact that a river (water) could catch on fire and grow to five stories brought fourth numerous concerns to environmental protection. Supporting a watershed of 813 square miles, damage to the Cuyahoga would significantly effect millions of animals, wildlife and people. This historical event directly impacted the formation of the Clean Water Act, The Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement and the creation of national and state EPA's.

Location

Hope Memorial Bridge, Cleveland, OH 44113

Image Citation

James F. McCarty, The Plain Dealer. “Cuyahoga River's Recovery since 1969 Fire Documented in New Ohio EPA Film on YouTube.” Cleveland, 17 Nov. 2018, https://www.cleveland.com/metro/2018/11/cuyahoga-rivers-recovery-since-1969-fire-documented-in-new-ohio-epa-film-on-youtube.html. - “Cuyahoga River, Ohio : Restoring an American Heritage River.” Watershed Success Stories: Applying the Principles and Spirit of the Clean Water Action Plan, United States Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, D.C., 2000, pp. 18–19.

Student name(s)

Jackson Selent