Title Explosion at the Hurst Company Photographer J.E. Henry Description The explosion of the Hurst Company at 10:55 a.m. sent flames and firebrands on to the roofs and through windows of several nearby buildings. Within minutes, four additional buildings were on fire and others were threatened. Assessing the situation, Chief Engineer George Horton ordered a general alarm that would bring all fire companies to the downtown district. In addition he ordered a telegram to be sent to Washington, D.C. requesting assistance. The telegraph message read: "Desperate fire here. Must have help at once." Contributor Enoch Pratt Free Library