June 3 marked the 121st anniversary of the Great Banana Fire, a devastating blaze that ravaged Zachary, leaving only a few scattered buildings standing. At the time, Zachary’s population was a modest 800.

We Didn’t Start the Fire

Rumor has it that the fire was started as a result of a green grocer flame ripening his bananas–hence the Great Banana Fire.

However, the fire's origins remain disputed. Two Italians with neighboring fruit stands, separated by only a partition, both denied responsibility for starting the blaze. 

A Community Without Protection

With no waterworks or other protective apparatus, the town was ill-prepared to combat the fire. A stiff wind blowing from the north exacerbated the situation, rendering the efforts of citizens largely ineffective.

The Bucket Brigade's Efforts

The fire began at 1 am and by 5:30 am, it had consumed every building within its reach. Despite the best efforts of the community, known as the “bucket brigade,” only the Train Depot within the fire's proximity was saved from destruction.

 Devastation and Homelessness

Many families were rendered homeless by the disaster, and only four businesses escaped the fire’s wrath.