River Fire...40 years later

[MrCleveland]

Cleveland's river, the Cuyahoga caught fire many times. But in 1969, Cleveland's fire on the Cuyahoga made the headlines!

This started a river-cleaning act and other PSA awareness about our rivers in America. Even though the river is cleaner than it was in 1969, it's still polluted. And even though the fire was minor rather than the one in 1952, this one sparked controversy and a lot of jokes for Johnny Carson.

But without this river-fire, there would be no identity for Cleveland...other than bad sports teams.

[catlover79]

Didn't the fire inspire the writing of "Smoke on the Water"?? :crazy:

[MrCleveland]

^No, but oddly enough, "Fire" by Arthur Brown was a hit song at the time.

[catlover79]

^No, but oddly enough, "Fire" by Arthur Brown was a hit song at the time.
Ah, I see.