Installation of Historic Photo to Commemorate the Anniversary of the 1923 Berkeley Fire

The City of Berkeley invites you to acknowledge the 101st anniversary of the 1923 Berkeley Fire by coming to view the newly installed historic panoramic photograph of the ruins of the ‘23 fire in North Berkeley. 

What: Installation of the historic photograph of ruins of the 1923 Fire by Gabriel Moulin

Where: 2180 Milvia Street, Main Lobby

RUINS OF THE BERKELEY FIRE SEPTEMBER 17, 1923 

Panoramic Photo by Gabriel Moulin (1872-1945)

Gabriel Moulin’s panoramic photograph taken on September 19, shows North Berkeley in total ruin two days after the 1923 Fire. Known for its architectural photographs, the well-respected commercial Moulin Studios in this case recorded the destruction of the fire with a Cirkut camera, capable of capturing panoramic landscapes.

The 1923 fire started in Wildcat Canyon high in the hills of Berkeley. The conflagration rapidly moved over the ridge of Grizzly Peak Blvd. into North Berkeley where high winds pushed the fire down the hill destroying everything in its path. 

With the aid of firefighters from neighboring cities, the Berkeley Fire Department, together with hundreds of students from UC Berkeley and other citizens, finally contained the fire at the corner of Hearst and Shattuck Avenues. Luckily, no lives were lost, but 600 homes were destroyed, and thousands of Berkeley residents and students were left homeless. 

Photo donated to the Berkeley Fire Department on the 100th anniversary of the 1923 Fire by Councilmember Susan Wengraf