Youngstown Fire Department  Idora Park - Fires

Idora Park Fire of 1984

The fire which destroyed the Wild cat on April 26th 1984 was believed to have been started when sparks from a welding job ignited support beams on the Lost River Ride, the fire then spread to the Wildcat which in the previous two weeks was having new tracks installed. The park office, 11 concession and game stands, The Lost River Ride and The Wildcat were lost or partially destroyed in the fire. All of the old records were also lost, along with old photo's and pictures that can never be replaced. The Lost River Ride was known as many other names during it's time at the park, It was also known as The Old Mill Ride, The Tunnel of Love, and The Lost World. The park reopened, but for only one season. The park officially closed on September 16, 1984.

The above black and white photos are from Idora Park, The Last Ride of Summer by Rick Shale and Charles J. Jacques, Jr. It is an excellent book on the history of Idora Park. (ISBN # 0-9614392-6-2).

For photos check out the following galleries:
Idora Park 1984 Gallery by Chris Biasella.
Idora Park - Last Ride of Summer Pictures.

Idora Park Fire of 1986

On May 3rd, 1986 another fire occurred at Idora Park. The second fire started near the already half burned Wildcat. The fire was so intense one of the bubble lights atop the fire truck melted. They also faced gusting winds that fanned the flames. This fire consumed the fun house, bumper car ride, and the former Heidleburgh Gardens, they were all reduced to charred rubble in less than an hour.

Idora Park Fire of 2001

On March 5th, 2001, a second alarm fire leveled the vacant Idora Park Ballroom. Fire companies were originally called out at 9:51am for a report of smoke in the area. Upon arriving at the old amusement park, found the ballroom completely engulfed. Fire crews would spend the rest of the day dousing the burning structure. Asbestos in the construction may lead to more health issues. 

For photos check out the following galleries:
Idora Park Ballroom Fire Photos by photographer Greg Ricker.
Idora Park Ballroom Fire Photos by photographer Robin Birkholtz.

Counting this blaze, there were a total of 5 fires at Idora Park since 1895. The first of the two smaller ones occurred in 1951, it started in a small storage unit and caused $24,000.00 worth of damage. The second smaller fire occurred in 1958 and did $5,000.00 worth of damage.

* More 2001 Ballroom Fire Photos Are Available at the following sites:
www.idorapark.net

1984 and 1986 fire summaries used with permission.
Special thanks to Danette for allowing me to use the information on her Idora Park History pages. For more information and photos of Idora Park, visit her website at http://members.tripod.com/~idorapark/idora-main.html

Black and white photos are from Danette's site.