from the Washington Confederate, Feburary 9, 1904:
A devastating fire, visible at night from this city's higher vantage points, burned the city of Baltimore for 30 hours, beginning on Sunday morning and ending last evening. Despite the help of fire fighters from this city, as well as Wilmington and even a volunteer brigade from across the border in Philadelphia, the fire raged out of control.
In the end, over 1500 buildings, spanning 70 city blocks, were destroyed. Mayor Robert McLane was quoted as saying, "To suppose that the spirit of our people will not rise to the occasion is to suppose that our people are not genuine Americans. We shall make the fire of 1904 a landmark not of decline but of progress." He then refused assistance, stating "As head of this municipality, I cannot help but feel gratified by the sympathy and the offers of practical assistance which have been tendered to us. To them I have in general terms replied, 'Baltimore will take care of its own, thank you.'"
Baltimore after the great fire of 1904