While the First World War raged on in the European countries, on the home front Canadians were battling their own battle. The enemy was flames, and the victims were seven people and Ottawa’s $1.8 million (CND) Parliament buildings.
This historic day started on Feb. 3, 1916 at 8:37 p.m. when a fire started in the Centre Block. Unlike the news headlines of the day which stated “Parliament Buildings Destroyed by Fire” and “Parliament Buildings Gone” not all was lost. In fact, the library and departmental buildings were spared the licking flames of destruction.
