No city can be spared the devastating effects of fire, but Lynn has
seemingly experienced more than its share. More than most communities,
Lynn measures its epochs in terms of these catastrophes. From the
Christmas night blaze of 1868 to the conflagration of 1981, generations
of Lynn residents have witnessed major fires that have changed the face
of the city. Many of the significant fires have occurred in the very
heart of the city, the downtown area. While some of these great fires
have been more tragic and debilitating than others, each has in its own
way contributed to the evolution of the city, making Lynn what it is
today.