Firefighter Robert J. Fisher, along with seven other Philadelphia fire fighters were killed in a fire and explosion at the Gulf Oil Refinery. The fire began when an 80,000-barrel tank ignited while being filled with oil from a tanker. The ship was not damaged, and the fire was brought under control; however, the facility’s sewage system failed to drain off oil that was spilled from the fire. Fumes backed up and it flashed followed by a first and second explosion. Within minutes the fire jumped to 11 alarms, calling in 600 fire fighters. In the refinery at the time of the fire were crude oils, jet fuel and naptha.
The National Emergency Training Center (NETC) campus will be closed during the government shutdown, including access to the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial.
We appreciate your understanding and encourage you to check for updates as the situation evolves.
On August 17, 1975, at the age of eleven years old, I lost my father to the Gulf Oil Refinery fire in Philadelphia. I have thought about him every day over the past 49 years and will continue to do so until my last day. I miss you Dad. I love you Dad. Thank you for being my father.
– Robert FisherI was 9 years old, I remember this day like it was yesterday. One minute we were walking home from the boardwalk and the next our lives changed forever. As a child, when I was asked what my dad did for a living I would say with pride “he is a fireman.” He was my hero. On August 17, 1975 my hero died. Now when I am asked what did your dad do for a living, I say with pride “he was a fireman” and I then I tell his story.
– Carol KingMiss you, love you!!
Carol xoxo