Joe Hope
Little Rock Fire Department - June 2, 1924
At 11:00 pm June 2, 1924, firefighters were summonsed to the Stratton_Warren Hardware store at 221 East Markham. The building, which had been condemned as a fire hazard in April, burned quickly and extra alarms were sounded. About 3:45 am an explosion, possible caused by black power, rocked the entire area and collapsed the remaining structure, trapping several firefighters. After two hours, a sensational rescue effort had freed 2 firefighters. Finally, at 11:00 am, Joe Hope's body was found under 30 inches of water.
