The Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire

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What Happened in the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire in 1911?

On March 25, 1911, a fire broke out in the building which housed the Triangle Waist Company. The company manufactured “shirt waists” (women’s blouses) on the 8^th, 9^th, and 10^th floors.

The fire was especially deadly because the owners had locked the doors and stairwells to prevent “unapproved breaks.” The workers died of smoke inhalation, actual fire, or jumping from the building to escape the flames. The cause of fire was thought to be a cigarette that landed in a pile of scraps. There were no overhead sprinklers in the building.

The fire highlighted social disparities – most of the employees were Russian and Italian immigrants, who were chosen for their willingness to work longer hours for less wages. Their limited understanding of the English language also limited their ability to successfully unionize for better wages or work conditions.

The fire only lasted eighteen minutes, but killed one hundred and forty-six people.

The owners were acquitted of first and second degree manslaughter charges, but later were found liable in wrongful death suit. The compensation was only $75 per deceased victim to only some of their families, while the owners had collected $400 per victim through their insurance claims.

Workers’ Rights After the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire

Frances Perkins witnessed the fire and was moved to create change. She led the Committee on Public Safety, and helped create new legislation like the “54-Hour Bill” to limit hours in a work week.

After investigation by New York Legislature, 38 new labor laws were instituted in order to prevent any repeat tragedies, and to advocate for worker’s rights. Many of these laws are taken for granted now – like access to fire extinguishers, automatic sprinkler systems, limiting child labor, and access to breaks and quality bathrooms.

Frances Perkins eventually became Secretary of Labor under President Franklin D. Roosevelt, advocating for and creating policies like Social Security and child labor laws.

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