The FDNY commemorates the 115th anniversary of the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire

March 25, 2026

The FDNY marked the 115th anniversary of the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire—one of the deadliest fires in New York City's history—with a commemoration on March 25, 2026, in Manhattan. 

The fire, which started on the upper floors, spread rapidly and claimed the lives of 146 people—most of them women. More than 700 people were in the building at the time of the fire, many unable to escape due to locked exits, inadequate fire escapes, and no sprinklers. 

The fire became a turning point in labor and fire safety reform across the country, leading the FDNY to expand its efforts in fire safety education and drills in factories across all five boroughs.

The FDNY joined the New York City Central Labor Council for the annual commemoration.