A Town on Fire

The Cleveland School fire of 1923 influenced building and fire codes nationwide.

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About the Documentary

On May 17, 1923, a fire swept through the Cleveland School located near Camden, SC, claiming the lives of 77 children and adults. The enormity of the loss sparked widespread public concern, directing attention towards fire safety in assembly spaces. This outcry led to the implementation of legislation that influenced building and fire codes not just in South Carolina but across the entire nation.