• The Day the Clowns Cried: The Hartford Circus Fire of 1944

  • Apr 30 2025
  • Length: 26 mins
  • Podcast

The Day the Clowns Cried: The Hartford Circus Fire of 1944

  • Summary

  • In this episode, we delve into the events of July 6, 1944, when a Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus performance in Hartford, Connecticut, turned tragic. A fire, ignited during the show, rapidly consumed the paraffin-and-gasoline-treated canvas tent, leading to the deaths of at least 167 people and injuring over 700 others. We explore the causes of the fire, the ensuing panic, and the lasting impact on circus safety regulations. Join us as we uncover the stories of heroism and heartbreak from one of America's most devastating fire disasters.

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