Over 300 Inmates Burned Alive - The Horror of the 1930 Ohio Penitentiary Fire

The 1930 Ohio State Penitentiary fire was a tragic event that resulted in one of the deadliest fires in American penal history. Occurring on April 21, 1930, the fire claimed the lives of over 300 inmates and injured many others. The blaze, which started in the prison’s overcrowded and poorly ventilated West Cell Block, spread rapidly due to inadequate safety measures. The tragedy brought attention to the harsh conditions within the prison system and sparked reforms in fire safety regulations and inmate housing. The Ohio State Penitentiary fire remains a somber reminder of the need for proper safety protocols and humane treatment within correctional facilities. Become a Channel Member ► Facebook ► Twitter ► Patreon ►