Date of death:
April 2, 1909
Department:
Minot Fire Department (ND)
Number of Line-of-Duty Deaths:
1
On the evening of Sunday, March 28, 1909, tragedy struck the city of Minot, North Dakota, as one of its bravest and most selfless citizens made the ultimate sacrifice. The fire that broke out in the basement of the Minot Daily Optic building would not only cause damage to the building, but it would also claim the life of Minot’s first firefighter to die in the line of duty — Thomas J. Shields.
The Fire: A Tragic Chain of Events
The fire began around 9:30 pm in the basement of the Minot Daily Optic, a local newspaper office. The cause was traced to the linotype press, a machine powered by gasoline. A leak in the gas line created a dangerous situation as the foreman, who was in the process of lighting the burner, was overcome by a sudden burst of flames when leaking gas ignited. The foreman managed to escape the basement and sounded the fire alarm, but it was too late — the fire was already growing out of control.
When the Minot Fire Department arrived on scene, the flames were dangerously close to the gas tank attached to the press. Two chemical tanks were brought in to fight the fire, but the situation was more dire than anyone had anticipated. The cord attached to the four-gallon gas tank had already caught fire. Chief John McDougall, knowing the catastrophic consequences of a tank explosion, ordered his crew to remove the tank from the building.
However, as the crew cut the cord, the tank became unmanageable, falling and spilling gasoline across the basement, which was already thick with smoke and surrounded by newsprint. The atmosphere was becoming increasingly hazardous as the flames spread.
A Desperate Fight for Survival
In the thick smoke and growing flames, the firefighters faced an agonizing situation. Frank Forsl, one of the crew members, forced a window open to try and create an escape route, though his hands were badly cut in the process due to the security bars that obstructed the window.
Tom Shields, despite being on fire himself, demonstrated incredible courage and selflessness. Being the tallest member of the crew, he helped lift his fellow firefighters onto the press so they could crawl out of the small basement windows. Once all of his comrades were safely out of the building, Shields, exhausted and badly burned, finally managed to escape through the same window.
Tragically, the fire’s toll was high. Shields, along with A.F. Frasl, suffered severe burns, with Frasl’s burns affecting his face and body, and Shields sustaining the worst injuries of all. Shields’ burns were so severe that doctors feared he had sustained respiratory burns as well. Chief McDougall and firefighter Theodore Dullam, though fortunate to escape with only minor burns, would never forget the horrors of that night.
A Community Mourns: Thousands Pay Tribute
The entire city of Minot was shaken by the loss of Thomas J. Shields, whose sacrifice did not go unnoticed. His funeral, held at the Minot Opera House on April 4th, was a testament to the profound impact he had on the community. The Minot and Kenmare Fire Departments participated in the procession, with the Eagles providing full support and ceremonial rites, alongside the Old Settlers of Ward County, who also paid their respects.
In an outpouring of community support, a series of vaudeville shows were organized to raise funds for Tom’s wife and children. The entire city united in mourning, and thousands paid tribute to Shields’ memory.
As the Ward County Independent wrote on April 8, 1909, “Never in the history of our city, have our people shown greater respect for the memory of one of her departed citizens.”
The Legacy of Thomas J. Shields
The fire at the Minot Daily Optic building marked a turning point in the city’s history. It was a stark reminder of the dangerous and often thankless work that firefighters do every day to protect their communities. Shields’ sacrifice was a monumental event for Minot, with the Ward County Independent stating on April 1, 1909, “At no other fire ever known in Minot, however, were so many firemen injured, nor so badly.”
Thomas J. Shields’ bravery and selflessness continue to be remembered, not only as a tragic loss but as an enduring symbol of courage. His actions that night proved that the firefighters of Minot — and all across the country — are willing to risk everything to protect others. Today, Shields’ legacy lives on in the hearts of those who continue to serve in the fire department, and in the memory of a community forever changed by his ultimate sacrifice.
